Disclaimer: I do not own Warhammer 30K, 40K, Fantasy, Age of Sigmar. I do not own anything else I will use in this story.
Delmak, a highly industrial world not considered an actual Forge World, but close enough that the Mechinacus would have claimed it under the treaty of Olympus Mons. Before the coming of the System Lords fleets, guards, Knull Warriors, and slave soldiers. Delmak had peace with a robust industrial process, even a small fleet of starships that protect the ship and moon. The mining process from the moon back to the world for the flames of the forges of Delmak. The people living on the planet didn't have an easy life, but it was freedom to a certain point. It all changed once Sokar took over Delmak, transforming the industrial world into his laboratory for experimentation for weapons of mass destruction and bioweapons. The residents of the planet who once had a bit of freedom are nothing more than slaves. They are forever working and dying for Sokar's grand vision of his armies, whatever that may be in the Xenos' mind. However, everything changed when the invading force comprised two Stormhosts of the Storm Lords, Archmagos armies, their Ark Mechanicus Red Storm, and Silver Alchemist bristling with weaponry. The sudden attack had entirely overrun the orbital defensive allowing planetfall to happen worldwide. Everything had gone to plan cities taken over, and armies broke under the metal fist of Archmagos Tesla and de Miragliano forces.
However, everything changes once the enemy seems to unleash hell on the world itself. The capital city appears to activate a strange device to tear open a riff into the immaterium unleashing hell. The sky seemed to change into colors that no average person could hope to describe; even the cities that weren't under the Storm Lord's control seemed to change. However, the worst, the very worst, is the natives of Delmak, for they began to change and morph into monstrous horrors. Later, after taking over, a secret laboratory inflected the whole planet by some means, which caused the mutation of the bulk of the world's habitats. Instead of being liberators winning the war, they were surrounded by simply trying to link up or stay in contact. It is only thanks to Lady Druuna's, Hamilcar Bear-Eater's, Gilles le Breton's, and the Archmagos' leaderships that the campaign hasn't fallen in complete disarray. However, the enemy is all around, and what is worse is that the Immaterium daemons' tear began flooding worldwide, leading to the counteroffensive.
The Storm Lords and the Mechanicus were able the hold back the flood, but it is barely holding, especially with the Lost Knights holding back the most current push. Shastar charged ahead once again once the rest of the Lost Knights came to their Lady's aid, but they quickly followed behind her. The two Dominus Pattern Knights stand in the back, covering fire from the oncoming enemies. Shastar is the first to meet the four-legged daemon engine, the reaper chainsword revving to life before delivering a massive swing. The adamantine teeth of the weapon caused sparks from making a connection to the midsection of the daemon engine. The sparks changed into blood, machinery, and guts spilling out as the daemon engine roared out in pain. It lifted its giant metal claw, but it never got a chance for Shastar to add more pressure into the roaring chainsword, cutting deeper into the foul monstrosity mixture of daemon and machine. The daemon engine struggled, but two other Imperial Knights came around firing their battle cannon and thermal cannons on either side. It is distracted by the two Knights until it ceases its struggle until Shastar chainsword bisected the daemon engine. However, more continue to march forward with the two Knights that provided a distraction before moving on. Lady Druuna didn't push forward, breathing heavily while her two men matched forward to continue to hold back the onslaught of Daemons.
"We can't keep doing this," she whispered to herself, knowing that they had to do something. She knew that with the coming of Sokar, things were going to be more difficult. The fleet is dealing with the moon, which held the shipyard. The problem is with the return of Sokar coming back it meant that the fleet wouldn't prove support. She controlled her knight back, allowing her fellow Freeblades to earn some kills.
The Lost Knights held the line against the daemon engines allowing the Mechanicus forces and the Grey Knights company to prepare the defensive lines. However, the once forward base is slowly becoming a permanent fixture on the planet. The Skitarii War Cohort sent forward their Servitor to continue expanding the trenches and defensive. Druuna saw the twin Dominus Knights stand guard over the mindless Servitors while Tesla's and da Miragliano's forces kept watching, preparing for the next assault. Shastar's auspex sounds causing Druuna to see the lumbering forwards of the Legio Cybernetic core, beginning to get into position on the new defensive line. The three Castellax, Thanatar, and even the mysterious Domitar Battle-Automata classes. Druuna knew that is only thanks to the Duardin Runesmiths and Endrineers plus a bit of help from Gwyn, which the Archmagos can host such a powerful group of robots from designs that found yet.
Shastar marched forward, joining the two other knights on either side of their Lady, knowing she leads the Lost Knights. It wasn't long until the three knights reached the military base that seemed to keep growing with each passing day. However, Druuna is pleased that the Mechanicus could get a place for several Lost Knights to rest their mighty machines. They entered the massive warehouse-like complex heading to the areas for the war machines to sit to get repairs or replenish their ammo. Once the three knights were in place, Druuna felt throne mechanicum disconnect from her implants against the base of her skull. The tingling feeling appeared across her body from the disconnect from Shastar before the top of the knight opened up, allowing her to leave the knight's body. Druuna removed her helmet, letting her black hair-free, running a hand through the formed knots. She even wiped the sweat from her forehead, feeling the fresh air instead of the warm cockpit of her knight.
"Lady Druuna," the voice of Sir Thierulf called out from Lancelot from Druuna's left while stepping onto the gangway above them.
"Sir Thierulf, I saw you deal with another enemy engine. It was quite the kill." She said, stepping onto the platform, feeling it rise, allowing her to get onto the gangway.
Sir Thierulf is the ideal figure of the Shyish knighthood. A strong, tall, well-built figure and a face that many ladies across the Eight Realms swooned more than once. However, Druuna had heard rumors that only Elsa and she hadn't been charmed by Thierulf's handsomeness like so many ladies. Thierulf came forward, bowing his head before his Lady while Druuna wished to roll her eyes but found it rude how so many made her the Lady of the Lost Knights.
"My Lady, you by far had the highest kill count. If I am, to be honest, I would think you could join the ranks of the Ordo Sinister if possible. I mean, rumors about First Perfect Adama have been looking to you to join his Chamber. Plus, The Perfects are wishing to bring in more Psi-Titans into the Titianicus Terrianic Ordo Sinister, especially a Warmaster or maybe even a legendary Emperor Titan." Thierulf whispered to his Lady.
Druuna rolled her eyes; "I do not think that will ever happen, Thierulf. You know as well as I do that our gifts are rare, but also the technology for Ordo Sinister is very secretive by the Emperor of Mankind." She said, having heard the rumors, but didn't take much stock about such things.
"The Lady is right, Thierulf. I do not see the Ordo Sinister grow into a true Collegia Titanica Legion. Just as our numbers will not grow to become a Knight House, we are only Freeblades, nothing else." The voice of Marcus came his footsteps coming forward with a smile upon his face.
Marcus, Duke of Bordeleaux from Chamon, announces his present blond hair cut short while having a bright white smile upon his face. The cybernetic eye blinked a few times in the most beautiful Duardin craftsmanship. Marcus is the pilot of the Knight Pervical and quite the rival against Thierulf. He had his helmet strapped to his hip, bowing his head, taking Druuna's head placing a kiss upon the back of her hand.
"My Lady, you were like one of the old Goddesses of War on the battlefield. You fell four war machines only those truly gifted could do such a thing." Marcus said using the flowery words that he loved to use.
Thierulf rolled his eyes; "How would you know Marcus? Do you believe that our Lady is unable to command one of the God-Engines?" he asked, moving to get between Marcus and the Lady.
Sir Marcus let out a laugh as if he had heard the funniest thing in the galaxy, shaking his head a few times before suddenly stopping. "Of course not, Thierulf. Lady Druuna is the most gifted pilot of Knights I have seen. If she ever was chosen to become a part of the Ordo Sinister, I can already tell that. They should be an honor to have the Lady among their ranks." Marcus said, stepping forward, feeling disrespected by Thierulf.
Druuna let out a sigh, already feeling a fight is about to break out between the two, especially whenever they speak about such things. She gently stood between them, stopping them from starting another conflict, especially a duel. They didn't have the resources to repair their Knights if something happened. Druuna gave them both a look that promised that they would have to deal with her. Sir Thierulf and Sir Marcus both back away from each other, both nodding to each other in understanding, knowing how serious the situation is on the planet at the moment. Druuna smiled at both of them, patting them on the shoulder, knowing that they didn't see the truth about the Ordo Sinister's weaponry. It is one of the reasons why Gwyn doesn't like using the Ordo Sinisters unless something genuinely needs these Psi-Titans to walk. However, five of these monstrous engines walked on the world at this moment.
"Forgive us, Lady Druuna." Sir Thierulf said, taking the lead in bringing the apology from Marcus for the misstep they took before Druuna.
"I agree, Lady Druuna. Please forgive us for our words and our missteps while speaking about things we do not know." Sir Marcus quickly followed up.
Druuna rolled her eyes, patting their shoulders again walking off, knowing that she didn't wish to speak about such things. "Do not worry, you two. We have other things to worry about at the moment." She said, smiling at them before walking away from the two and off the gangway.
Upon waiting for the three is one of Tesla's Skitarii Marshal stood waiting for them wearing the grey coloring overcoat to match the Legion's coloring. However, there is a red border on the coat, which signals the honor to Red Planet. Skitarii Marshal Valillac Horght stood having some of the most unique cybernetic implates while the face is an iron mask with glowing blue eyes as if Druuna saw lightning surging through the lens. She notices twin Radium Serpenta resting against Marshal Horght's hip while he held the control stave in the shape of lightning with the top of the stave the form of a cloud with lightning which he could bludgeon the enemy. Druuna gave a bow of her head towards the Marshal of Tesla's Skitarii's legions. The Marshal places his hand against his chest for a moment before lowering his hand.
"Pilot Druuna; Archmagos Tesla wants to speak with you," Valillac said in a very monotone voice from the vox grill instead of the Marshal's mouth.
Druuna nodded; "Of course. I hope we can figure out what to do next. We can't keep holding this stalemate, especially since we only have parts of different continents under our control for now at least." She said, beginning to follow Marshal Valillac as they descended from the gangway.
Druuna's two tagalongs quickly followed behind her on either side of her like they were her bodyguards. She didn't mind but did find it annoying since every one of the Lost Knights always seemed to follow her around like lost puppies. However, those thoughts disappeared as they exited the massive warehouse, the sight of perfectly matching Skitarii passing by with the few reminding Free Guild Regiments milling about preparing to go to the trenches. Everyone looked tired, at least the human aspect. The Skitarii continue to act if something is wrong, but it made sense to Druuna, especially those from Telsa's military forces. They were far more precise but at the same time mad in the sense of tactics. She had seen adaptable tactics from squad level thinking which is strange from Druuna's understanding of the Mechanicus' battle tactics.
It wasn't long before they reached the massive command center the sight of four Space Marines stood bolt rifles against their chest. The Space Marines were from the Grey Wardens and Blackstone Stormhosts, at least a company strength, but they have suffered quite a bit of causality the last few weeks. Druuna entered the center, sighting flying ghosts going back and forth. Tech-Priest was running about preparing for the next defense. What's more, the Kharadron Endrineers and Dawi Engineers moved about in their heavy power armor. Each of them was grumbling causing the Tech-Priest to work and move quicker. Druuna always found it quite funny that any Tech-Priest who joined the two Archmagos found their knowledge completely lacking compared to the Duardin race. Druuna learned that Nikola and Leonardo were geniuses and prodigies beyond reapproach. Even the most ancient ancestors gave these two a sniff of approval upon fixing two of their ancient Runic Golems.
They entered the central area of the command center filled with flying ghosts, servitors, and military persona rushing about, gathering all information across Delmak from their scattered forces. Druuna saw Tesla staring down at the holographic map of their position. The crackling of lightning surged around his fingers as he tapped the table. Lieutenant Kristoff's armor was dented and bloody from recent combat, the massive bear pelt hanging from his shoulder slightly burnt from a fearsome daemon. He stood on the other side of Tesla, staring down at the map seeing a few numbers of the company of Grey Wardens they lost, but thanks to the Paladin's help, their gene-seed had been saved. Holden Cross is beside Kristoff, wearing his massive terminator armor dented and parts rendered from a challenging daemon that he slew a few days beforehand. Even Master Engineer Keela Torkilsson has a mechanical raven resting on her shoulder. The old dawi woman had quite the artificer armor handcrafted by the ancestor dwarf herself. Keela's right cybernetic right eye blinked a few moments before letting out a grunt and a sniff at the youngsters.
"Lady Druuna," Tesla said without looking up from the map seeing troop moments beginning to take the newly formed trenches they created moments ago. Marshal Valillic stood by the side of the Archmagos not speaking, but simply staring down at the map gathering the current information across the different battlefields.
"Gentlemen and Lady," Druuna said with a nod of her head, stepping up to the center of the command center while Sir Marcus and Sir Thierulf stood behind her. "I must ask, have we recent contact with Warden-Commander Hamilcar or Gilles le Breton from their position in the southern continent of the world? What about Archmagos Leanardo, Endrinmaster Humboldsson, or General Odo d'Outremer in the eastern continent?" Druuna asked, staring at what they amused the highest command on the battle.
Kristoff shook his head; "We have gotten fragments of communication across the planet. However, we do know that everyone is still fighting at this moment. Captain Tebenkov has informed us that he has gotten readings of ongoing fighting in those sectors from the planet. So we know they are alive." Kristoff said about to repeat something, but the holographic image of Princep William Adama appeared wearing a pure black Princeps uniform pressed and cleaned, staring out to the gathering.
Grandmaster William Adama is part of the Ordo Sinister Titan, the Princep of Polaris-Albedelach, The King of Terrors, the official Grandmaster of the Titanicus Terranic Ordo Sinister. The Terran order Princep gave a small salute towards his fellow commanders within the room. "Forgive my tardiness. My cohort just finished dealing with a situation at my position that we dealt with, so it won't be a future problem." Princep Adama said, not giving too much information but enough for everyone to understand.
The Ordo Sinister only committed six Psi-Titans to the battlefield after the tear into the warp unleashing the daemons. However, Druuna believed that it was too many Psi-Titans to walk, but Gwyn gave Adama complete freedom in decisions when his Ordo should stride onto the battlefield. Once, revealed Sokar experimented with the warp and began creating weapons of immaterium natural Grandmaster Adama decided for the Titans to walk. Druuna didn't wish to hear the screams from those monstrous war machines the Emperor built. A small part of Druuna wondered why the Emperor trusted Gwyn with such weapons of destruction especially allowing the Ordo Sinister to march along with the Storm Lords and the Expeditionary fleet. She knew why in the end, though, she knew that the Emperor trusted Gwyn to deal the truly horrible things for the Great Crusade to deal with the monstrous creations of Old Night and the things that lurked deep in the warp.
"There is no need to apologize, Grandmaster Adama. We are just thankful that the God-Engines decide to walk alongside us during this conflict." Tesla answered for the group, understanding how rare it is for the Ordo to march upon the battlefield. "However, have you received any communication from Princep Saul Tigh?" Tesla inquired about Grandmaster Adama's infamous second in command within the Ordo and Princep of Orientalis-Echion.
Adama didn't speak for a moment, his eyes staring over to something else; "I have a few communication with Tigh, but not recently. However, the last contact I had, he informed me that he is moving his cohort to support Archmagos Leonardo, for he is facing the heaviest resistance. That was the last update I received from Princep Tigh." Adama informed the council as many of them nodded their heads in understanding.
Everyone stared at the holographic images before them allowing them to see the new information from Princep Adama about the three Warlord Sinister Psi-Titans under Princep Tigh's command heading to Archmagos Leonardo's last known position. It still didn't tell the commanders much of anything at the moment if they were able to coordinate an attack together. They all knew that they were on their own until they destroyed the breach of the warp. Druuna touched the interface of the holotable, beginning to form a plan which the others watched her work. The Storm Lords, Freeguild Regiments, and the Mechanicus join together for one massive push to the central Hive City on the planet. The tools of the Mechanicus were able to get a firm fix upon the Hive City, which held the Chaos Portal. Keela stared at Druuna's plan, showing them the results, quite a suicide plan. The Dwarven Master Engineer knew each Stormhost had a different aspect during campaigns. Still, there isn't a Stormhost able to do a heavy assault against entrenched enemy lines even within the Mechanicus help. The death total will be high, though the Daemons will not cease their assault or defend. Keela can attempt that these horrors have a low cunning, but these daemons did not relent.
"That is quite a dangerous plan. We are going to bleed with every single step." Keela said, running her fingers along with her forge hammer resting on her hip.
"I agree. I rather not send my forces into the meat grinder if I can help it." Telsa added his voice, not liking how many units he would lose.
Druuna shook her head upon hearing the two not liking the plan; "It will be a distraction or whatever can distract these warp entities. While we began our offensive, I planned to send our Kill-teams deep into the Hive City to destroy the tear. If we cut off the warp from the daemons will have a chance to end the invasion. However, we have to do it before the enemy returns." Druuna reveals two secret units hidden from the main fighting slipping into the primary Hive City, which held the Chaos Portal.
Tesla tilted his head, his bionic eyes playing out the different scenarios while pulling up the information of the Kill-teams available within the area. He saw two different highly skilled Kill-teams within the region. The Archmagos is surprised, seeing that it is two of the top four Kill-teams in the Storm Lords activities in the area. The Blackhearts and Huntsmen were quite the gifted killers among the Storm Lords. Tesla knew that Lieutenant Reiner Hetzau was quite the skillful leader of men, especially the Blackhearts. Archmagos hear rumors of the cunning but also ruthless of the Blackhearts that held Astartes, which didn't fit within their Stormhosts. However, they were too dangerous to become Witchers for certain personalities. Some had in certain Kill-teams. Lord Gwyn put trust in these Kill-teams so that Tesla would do too, but the few missions that he could view were impressive. The Blackhearts are considered the top tier within the Kill teams that are active. The Archmagos saw the potential of the plan, especially if the assault is a distraction against the unrelenting enemy they are facing at the moment. However, Tesla is worried about the losses they will gain for the distraction, but he understands that Lady Druuna would lead from the front with her Knights and Princep Adama coming to their aid on the battlefield.
"The plan is acceptable, but can we suffer the losses? We are not able to speak with others across the planet. If we do this plan, we will not have another chance. It will be our only chance to close the rift." Tesla said, giving the blunt view of all things, yet everyone knew that he was putting things into perspective for those at the war council.
Keela places her mug on the holotable causing everyone to look at the Engineer for a moment; "I think we should do it, and if we fail, then our grudges will join the Book of Grudges. However, I instead go out there to take the fight against those abominations for a change. I am rather sick of being on the defensive all the time. Besides, there are a few personal grudges I need to strike from my oath stone before I can leave this planet." Keela said with grim determination resting on her face.
Kristoff nodded in agreement; "I agree the Grey Wardens and Blackstones aren't too keen on being so defensive all the time. Many of our brothers wish to go on the offensive for a change." The Grey Warden said with a confident smile on his face. Holden joined into the nod, the massive bulk of the terminator armor seeming more intimidating than before to everyone present.
"We will strive forward in this battle. We must make sure we close the rift before the other Legions, and their Primarchs realize what is happening." Adama stated, causing everyone to nod in agreement.
Druuna stared out to everyone before giving the nod; "Then we shall do the assault plan towards the central Hive which holds the tear of the Immaterium. We will move in six hours." Druuna said as everyone nodded, going to their respected forces to prepare for the coming assault.
The only ones left are Tesla, Kristoff, Holden, and Druuna with her fellow Knights that stood behind her. A tired look upon Druuna's face as her shoulders slumped, staring at the estimated number of deaths they will face. She didn't like wasting those lives that she considered her lover's sons. Druuna couldn't even stand how she sent the Free Guild Regiments to their deaths whenever she took command of the regiments. The young woman knew the Great Crusade was still at its early phases, but it didn't help that she saw all the death reports that went across Gwyn's paperwork whenever he received updates from the War Council. Druuna knew Gwyn that he didn't care for war or this idea of the Great Crusade. He always believed in one's rights, allowing people to go their own way. Gwyn always told her that he knew that everyone made mistakes or went down paths they shouldn't go, but it is human nature. They were a conflicting race of beings. Druuna fully believed that humanity is a contradictory and growing race that could do great and terrible things.
"Are you worried about everyone that will take part in this plan?" Kristoff asked, seeing that many within the command center have left, only leaving the Servitors.
Druuna's eyes glance to Kristoff for a moment before letting out a sigh; "Of course, I am worried this is quite the gamble I am putting our lives on. I would feel better if we had contact with the others, but we don't. I have to amuse we are on our own, and we can only hope that Leonardo, Hamilcar, and Gilles can figure out what we are planning to do. I know they are facing the fiercest assaults, but I would still like anything to give us something." Druuna said, having a soft smile on her face as she spoke those words.
Holden Cross understood what Lady Druuna speaks of, for the Storm Lords' brotherhood is vital, for they were all outsiders to their cousins and the people of the growing Imperium. They were Blanks, and Pariah being part of the Emperor's vision, probably won't involve them once the Emperor of Mankind fulfills all of his goals. However, it didn't mean that the Storm Lords would survive once the Emperor's work was complete. The Nameless King told them what he saw during his time within the Realm of Chaos. He gave them the truth and the choice, something that many of the Terran-born legionaries like Holden didn't have during his lost youth on the homeworld.
"I think you are making the correct action Lady Druuna. It is the only one that we can make. We can not accept that we will receive from the rest of the Legion. We can not let our cousins come to this world. We still have our duty to the Imperium to deal with the true enemy of the Great Crusade." Holden said, staring at Kristoff and Druuna with a grim expression on his face.
The Grey Warden gave the nod; "Aye, we do, Holden. That is something I understand pretty well. However, the Vlka Fenryka have already begun to sniff around us, but we are thankful we know their tricks. They aren't the only ones that know how to hide their secrets and truths from others. Holden is right, Druuna. The Wolves will smell something is wrong. We can only hope that Lord Gwyn can hold back the Wolf King so he will not send one of the Great Companies to this world. So we must deal with the tear by ourselves." Kristoff said, running his hand across one of his ice picks resting at his side.
Druuna let out a sigh, turning towards the holographic table for a long moment, nodding her head and pulling her hair up into a tight bun. The woman's eyes scanned over the holomap for several moments, memorizing the no man's land they created over a few weeks against the endless tide of Daemons. The young knight pilot tapped the table pulling up the new information of the Blackheart Kill-team, seeing the team's five members come up. The position didn't appear on the screen, but she expected not to see them. They were always off the grid. Gwyn set up these Kill-teams. They were just like Witchers, completely independent, but could not join standard squads among the different Stormhosts of the Storm Lords. She tapped a button on the table, sending Lieutenant Reiner Hetzau a data package of the new mission his team shall be the speartip. She took a deep breath turning to look at everyone still within the headquarters for them. Druuna straightened her back, squaring her shoulders. The presence around the woman seemed to change, which caught the attention of everyone left in the command center. The Storm Lords even took notice of the young woman.
"We shall be victorious. Although many will not know the truth of the victory, we will remember this victory against the true enemy. They will see the wrath of the Storm and our Fury. Our is the Fury," Druuna said, slamming her fist against her chest.
Everyone returned the gesture knowing that the battle ahead would either give them victory or an unknown death. They all knew that Lord Gwyn would destroy a world lost to Chaos. The Primarch will not allow Chaos a hold in reality. Druuna nodded to everyone before turning around; her fellow Knights trailed behind her as they stood stoic for what was about to come. She knew they had to return to the front to relieve their fellow knights protecting the defensive line. Druuna knew that this was their one chance to end the onslaught of daemons. She can only hope that her plan will work and the sacrifices which will come from this plan are worth all the blood that is about to be spilled.
Unknown Battlefield
The vast wasteland laid out a pack of Hound's minions was tracking down a group of refugees that had escaped from within one of the many forming Hellforges across the world. Flesh Hounds raced across the growing dunes sniffing the air; several were snarling at each other, flashing teeth or trying to take bites at each other. The alpha of the group let out a deep growl causing the lesser hounds to become silent; returning to the task of the hunt before the pack could continue their pursuit, the ground burst causing the Flesh Hounds to become distorted from the sudden action. The flash of a power sword and gladius appeared from the swirling smoke cutting into the red-stained flesh of lead flesh Hound. The alpha hound kills before it realizes what has happened as its head falls to the ground. The other Flesh Hounds didn't last long as other large shadows appeared from the rising dust. A group of Storm Lords stood after the dust settled. Four Astartes stood, each wearing highly customized power armor, and the weapons they wielded were vastly different from each other. The lead Astartes flicked the Pariah power sword from the blood before sliding them to his hip.
"Blackhearts Reiner," the officer voxed to the rest of the squad.
"Blackhearts Blood" is the first one to answer. A genuinely giant Astartes that could overshadow many, but only the mighty Grey Giant still stood taller. He held a massive two-handed eviscerator, its teeth clogged by flesh and bone. However, Blood activated the rune of the monstrous blade, quickly cleaning the large sharp teeth of the chainsword.
A heavy robe Astartes finished cutting a fang with his short blade before answering, "Blackhearts Uliet," the Astartes answered, cleaning the strange style short sword. At least four different short swords are hanging from Uliet's person, hidden by the thick robes. He stood up, the wind causing the robes to reveal the same storm grey power armor.
"Blackhearts Stilgar," another answered, wearing a thick cloak, yet there is strange stitching within the fabric as if it is almost like leather. Stilgar held in his grasp is an auto bolt rifle highly customized with a scope and several magazines hanging from his hip and the back of his waists filled with different ammo types in each magazine.
The four began coming close, but before they could get closer, a Flesh Hound shot up among the die, rushing to at least spill the blood of one enemy. However, the daemon didn't get near as a bolt pierced right through the beast's forehead. The death had been instant as the thumb hit the ground, causing dust to rise. "Blackhearts Howe" the vox came over the Blackhearts' vox network only used by the Blackhearts. The four Blackhearts turned their heads towards the distance, knowing that their brother hid entirely that not even their best trackers Uliet and Stilgar couldn't hope to find significantly, for they grew up in the harsh black sands of Shyishs. However, a figure appeared like a ghost walking forward, holding a customized bolt sniper rifle in his grasp. Howe also had strap from his waist was an instigator bolt carbine from the belt hanging under his thick camo-cloak that shimmered, making it impossible for his fellow brothers to see him coming forward at certain times.
The five members of Kill-team Blackhearts stood together; four of them turned to look at their leader Lieutenant Reiner seemed to see something that they didn't see for a moment. Reiner saw the information of the new operation which Lady Druuna sent, providing new orders for the Kill-team. Reiner stared at the data flowing over his eyes until he held out his hand, causing a black, shelled ghost to appear from his palm. The Ghost floated up before an image of the whole battlefield, at least certain portions, that the Storm Lords have information of during the months of fighting. Everyone gathered around the map as Reiner pointed to the image of the massive complex that is the enemy stronghold. Before Reiner explained anything, more pictures of offensive and defensive lines appeared on either side, including the gigantic God-Machines of the Warlord Titans. The sight of Mechanicus armies even moving into position with the presence of the Knights lumbering forward into place.
"We are going behind enemy lines and order to destroy the Chaos portal," Reiner said, allowing his brothers to understand the main objective of the mission.
Blood lets out a laugh; "Now that is one hell of a mission Lady Druuna sent us on." The Space Marine said, resting his eviscerator across his shoulders. "I don't know if our Corvus Blackstar can make the trip. We haven't returned to the base for resupply in quite a few weeks." Blood said, thinking about their dwindling supplies.
Reiner shook his head; "It doesn't matter. We are a Kill-team. We do the missions for the Legion that no one else can do. We are the best. We are the Blackhearts brothers." Reiner said, looking at his four squadmates.
Howe rolled his shoulders before shaking his head; "You are right, Reiner, but still, the plan is quite dangerous for us. That includes the Huntsmen that could join if they are in the area." Howe said, pointing out to some of the scrolling information between them.
Uliet had already begun sharping his knife listening to Reiner, Blood, and Howe speaks about the mission before using the tip of the short sword to a part of the map. "We can land our craft here before moving on foot to the forge. I have done scouting missions with Stilgar's data and Howe's observations whenever we split up. There aren't as many patrols as the other areas we have tried to infiltrate in the past. However, we are dealing with foes that aren't like us or even think like us, so the way is possible. It is a trap. The reminding Sokar Guards are daemonhosts and whatever daemon engines they have stored within the area." Uliet said, pointing out specific areas that aren't visible.
"I agree with Uliet. The mission is dangerous, but nothing is impossible, as we all know." Howe said although he wore a lower half-mask, they all knew he had a smirk on his lips.
Reiner shook his head at his men's antics, although they didn't fit into any of the Stormhosts of the Storm Lords. They had their brotherhood, even if it was a small one and a Kill-team filled with outcasts. Reiner sent out a pulse to their vox, causing all of them to focus on him as he focused back to the point once again. He rested his hand on the hilt of his sword, running the armor fingertips against the pommel of his power sword.
"We will use Uliet's plan for infiltration. Once we enter the city, we should better understand the situation inside. We all knew that daemonhosts are within the city walls, especially with the Necropolis Guards that serve the being known as Sokar. We must be ready for whatever we find within the city." Reiner said as his Blackhearts stared at their leader and the map.
Blood adjusted the massive chainsword on his shoulder for a moment; "If Reaver claims it's full for blood, then I saw we deal with Chaos Gate." Blood said the grim expression on his face with his dark brown thick handlebar mustache. "However, I say we land our gunship here instead of Uliet's position. It's well hidden. The place doesn't have too many patrolling guards either." Blood added, pointing to a potential landing spot.
Stilgar stared at the map for a while; "I agree it's a better landing zone, plus it will give us an overview of the city." Stilgar added his view of things.
Reiner continues to stare at the map seeing the area that Blood pointed out, including the area which Stilgar saw during his scoutings. It seemed like a good area since they didn't know what to expect once they entered the enemy city. The Lieutenant knew that this was their best possible choice to complete their mission. He breathed before his Ghost caused the map to disappear, which the brothers knew they had to prepare. Reiner turned around as his four brothers followed behind him, each one he trusted with his life. They reached the hidden Corvus Blackstar waiting to take them to their next objective. The specialized designed machine spirit within the aircraft came to life once the Kill-team boarded. The Corvus Blackstar took off from the ground, flying towards the destination. The Corvus Blackstar flew low across the barren wasteland avoiding the daemon engines that soar through the sky. It wasn't long before the gunship found the spot lowering down, allowing the Blackhearts to disembark. They were all prepared with their unique Tacticus and Phobos armor customized for each Blackheart.
Reiner leads the team through the rough terrain, which the average mortal would struggle with, but they weren't normal, nor were they like their cousins. The Storm Lords are a breed apart reforged by the Nameless King's knowledge and technology. They quickly moved through the terrain with little trouble consisting checking their auspex and radar from their power armor and ghosts, keeping them informed of everything. It wasn't long before they reached the top of the ridges, which overlooked the daemon city in front of them. However, the sight below them caused all five Space Marines to stare at a horde of Daemons beginning to move out of the corrupted city. Howe disconnected his technical scope from his bolt sniper rifle, placing it against his eye to better understand the daemonic forces below them. Many followers and minions of the Hound and Raven were fighting and killing each other. Howe saw signs of the Serpent in the city from the many bugs flying around certain spires. Howe passed the scope over to Reiner to give their leader a view of the situation. The Lieutenant stared down, seeing the horde that began to move towards Archmagos Tesla's defensive line. Reiner watched the horde rush forward as each Space Marine prepared to infiltrate Hive City.
Reiner checked his bolt rifle one last time, seeing his brothers doing one final check as Reiner saw Blood checking hellstorm heavy bolter. Stilgar checked the drum ammo of his auto bolt rifle one last time. Uliet adjusted the grip on his bolt carbine for the close-quarters combat he is gifted in, especially with all the daggers and blades hidden upon his body. Rowe slides the scope back onto his sniper rifle, lifting the hood of his camo cloak. The Blackhearts were ready once the horde of daemons went onto the attack once again. Reiner did the specialty hand sign that only one of the Blackhearts knew, for the Blackhearts uniquely created it. The Kill-team quickly moved forward onto their objective. The Hive City is beyond corrupted that it seemed like the very air seemed wrong. The Space Marines didn't cease their speed, but it wasn't long before the city seemed to awaken for the sight of fleshy tentacles seem to appear from the very ground and walls themselves. Reiner made a sign causing his brothers to stop from the sudden appearance of thick pulsing tentacles. The Blackhearts quickly circle as the tentacles are wiggling and thriving about until the sound of deep belly laughs deep within the heart of the Hive. Reiner's eyes narrowed, allowing his helmet's sensors to incoming pings of enemies. He quickly made a hand sign causing Uliet and Stilgar to join right beside him.
Blood quickly turned around, swinging the heavy bolter back and forth, scanning behind them with Howe beside Blood doing the same overwatch. The Blackhearts began to move forward in such quickness that no mortal could hope to match that spend, including the Imperial Auxilia's Storm Troopers. The speed and nonverbal commands between the five Storm Lords were on a completely different level, far beyond what some of their cousins could hope to match. The first enemy came forward, a stumbling Plague Zombie. Reiner pulled the trigger watching the head burst into red mist. Uliet and Stilgar quickly followed their Lieutenant, seeing several more Plague Zombies beginning to appear from alleyways and in front of them. The sound of Blood's hellstorm heavy bolter thundering behind him signaling that something is behind them. The screams of blood told those in front of that the Hound's minions were charging behind them. However, the Blackhearts did not slow down. Instead, they sped up, moving faster. The Kill-team moved fast, quickly reaching an area that should give them the high ground possible route into the heart of the Hive.
Reiner, Uliet, and Stilgar formed a semi-circle around their entry point, laying down bolter fire, allowing Blood and Howe to climb up until making it to one of the many rooftops. Howe quickly took up position bringing out his sniper rifle to provide overwatch. Blood followed right behind his brother but far closer. Howe pulled the trigger aiming for one bloated Zombie causing the undead to burst, causing an explosion throwing the herd into disarray. However, the Hound's minions continue to charge forward, screaming Blood for the Blood God. Blood didn't let up on the trigger watching the charging fanatics running to their death. He didn't feel anything for those he killed, although Blood had hazy memories of his youth. Blood remembered being under the yoke of these fanatics that worshipped that bastard Khorne. He clenched his jaw feeling his teeth grind against each other, glancing down to see Uliet quickly climbing up. It was long before Reiner was the last one climbing up with the rest of the Blackhearts to provide their leader a chance to reach them. The Lieutenant reached the top, but he grabbed two frag grenades from his waist before he climbed up, primming them. He tossed the explosions right under him, signaling his Kill-team to move. The blast did the trick for the moment allowing the Blackhearts to continue pushing forward to complete their objectives.
The Kill-team travels through the Spires' upper levels, battling to each new area section until finally reaching the objective. Reiner stared out the pillar of unnatural light shooting skyward. However, to each Blackheart, the color is dull dark and light greys compared to seeing the light tower. However, they all knew that an average person would lose their very mind if they stared too long into the swirling colors. Reiner reloaded his bolt rifle, followed by the others checking the area, seeing any sign of the Huntsmen. Reiner motions for Howe to take point allowing his sniper to summon his Ghost. No one spoke; allowing their brother to work didn't mean the others patrolling the area. Howe's Ghost searched for Huntsmen Kill-team signals for several minutes until the Ghost gave its body a slight shake. Howe nodded, giving the hand sign for Reiner to know the Blackhearts were alone on the mission.
Reiner let out a sigh before signing for everyone to gather up, which they did without hesitation, coming into a circle. They rested their weapons yet alerted in case something came after them. Reiner held up his hand, allowing the Ghost to appear for the map to materialize before the five Space Marines. Reiner had the symbol of Howe to overwatch on one of the many high spires that gave him an overview of everything. He followed up, pointing to Stilgar quickly circle his hand around the targeted area. Howe and Stilgar both nodded before doing one last check of equipment or reloading their weapons. The two Blackhearts each gave their brother's small fist bumps against themselves before heading off, disappearing into the maze-style towers to begin their operation and duty. The last reminding Blackhearts turned their gazes upon the floating map. Reiner pointed out the route they would use to reach the Chaos Portal. However, the course is dangerous, but they were Storm Lords and Blackhearts. They didn't fail no matter the mission or job. Reiner did one last check before a motion for Uliet and Blood on him, making their way towards the crumbling bridge that connected the two spires.
The three made their way to the massive iron doors of the bridge. Reiner's Ghost floated forward to the cogitator, the blue light beam beginning to enter the cogitator. None of the Blackhearts stand idle as the Ghost searches for the protocols to open the doors. Blood stood dead center between Uliet and Reiner. Blood's head, going back and forth looking for signs of the enemy gripping his hellstorm heavy bolter, ready to pull the trigger at the slightest movement. The silence seemed to stretch forever until the first appearance of the enemy.
"BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD"
"SKULLS FOR THE THRONE OF KHORNE"
"SKULLS FOR THE SKULL THRONE"
The screams echoed throughout the interconnecting hallways, yet the three Space Marines stood tall, unafraid, each one pointing their barrel down one of the three hallways. Uliet adjusted the grip on his bolt carbine gaze, never leaving his area. Blood stepped forward, activating the sensors and hub within his helmet to prepare for the coming horde. Reiner did a single glance back, seeing his Ghost continue working on the cogitator feverishly working through the firewalls and other protections. However, it seemed like the whole network and every cogitator inflected by exposure to warp energies. Reiner knew that his Ghost could do it. All it needed was the time which is something his brothers can provide.
"You know, Lieutenant, I think having Pavel's Tarantula turret with us." Blood said, breaking the long silence between brothers.
Uliet let out a chuckle; "Aye, I agree with you there, Blood. I think having a Tarantula turret could genuinely make the difference." He said, never taking his eyes off the hallway.
Reiner shook his head upon hearing his two brother's complaints. "That will make the mission far too easy for us, brothers. We are Blackhearts. We like a challenge." Reiner said the sound of a stampeding group of fanatics rushing towards them. "However, let's do our job and make our Legion proud with our honors and accomplishments," Reiner said, preparing for the first enemy to appear in his sights.
"Ours is the Fury," all three spoke as one. The first cultists appeared the name of the Hound on their lips. The unholy symbol burnt into their flesh, splattered with fresh blood and a craze look in each one of their eyes. The Space Marines didn't even hesitate or bother each one of them pulled the trigger unleashing a torrent of bolts flying down the hallways unleashing death upon the human mass of flesh. The blood splattered all across the walls, red mist quickly building up, yet the stampede did not cease as they trampled their dying without even bothering. However, the Space Marines continue to fire. However, it wasn't long before the sheer amount of overwhelming enemies were working against the three Blackhearts. Although the hallways gave them the advantage, it began to turn against them, for they could not escape. Uliet drew his dagger from his hip, slashing the first Fanatic's throat, which got close enough. The Khrone cultists were slowly gaining ground over the hundreds of bodies under them.
Reiner kept the trigger pressed down, unleashing the bolts against the wall of flesh, but he knew that he would have to prepare. Before he could draw his power sword, the sound of a massive door rose, giving them access to the bridge. Reiner had a grin under his helmet seeing his Ghost disappear after completing its task. He tapped Blood's shoulder, signaling him to cover the rear before quickly running to the barely opened door. Uliet followed right after Reiner leaving Blood to hold the line by himself, but the massive Space Marine moved the heavy bolter back and forth, spraying down all the hallways. It wasn't long before Reiner and Uliet rejoined the overwatch giving Blood a chance to step back as he continued firing at the oncoming enemies. It almost seemed that the bridge's opening caused the Blood God's followers to increase their efforts to reach the three Space Marines. Reiner pulled out three frag grenades from the pouch, priming them before tossing them in all three directions. Uliet or Blood needed any command as they quickly turned and ran across the bridge, Reiner bringing up the rear. The explosions rippled behind them, yet it didn't slow down the Space Marines. The destroyed door greets the charging Space Marines. What little they notice is some Hound daemon of some kind does the door's destruction a big one.
Once the three crossed the threshold to the other side of the Spire, which held the Chaos portal deep within the Spire. The very air felt tainted itself. It seemed to soak into reality as the Blackhearts stare out, feeling the wrongness yet not seeing the horror that a normal being would see. Reiner moved forward, lifting the bolt rifle; the light under it came alive, piercing the darkness revealing the twisted floor, flesh cover walls, and the endless ceiling that seemed as if it became the void itself. Reiner turned around, already seeing Uliet and Blood prepare for a defensive fight using the bridge as a choke point. He made his way to his brothers seeing that Blood reloaded his heavy bolter once again, as did Uliet, both preparing to hold out and probably having fallback points planned from a glance of their positioning. Reiner came over, patting their shoulder guard encouraging them for what they were about to do and succeed. He passed the last few grenades and specific demo chargers that the Lieutenant brought with him.
"Hold them off for two hours. If either of you can hold out, then retreat to Howe and Stilgar. If I am not back, return our lines to inform Lady Druuna of the failure of the mission." Reiner ordered his brothers to make sure they knew the plan.
Uliet laughed, shaking his head; "Brother, you know we aren't going to leave without you. The Blackhearts don't abandon one of us." Uliet said, slamming a new bolt magazine into his carbine bolter.
"Agree, brother. Besides, I am tired of all the silence. Reaver is hungry for those foul bitches that spread their legs for the bastard hound himself." Blood said, a grim expression resting on his face that Uliet and Reiner knew how their brother felt about the Hound's followers.
Reiner gave the nod, hitting their shoulder guard again before turning away, lifting his bolt rifle into the abnormal hallway. In moments Reiner disappeared, leaving Blood and Uliet alone to face the oncoming horde of blood craze fanatics to an uncaring God. The smoke began to clear from the explosion Reiner did to allow them to speak. The first cultist burst through scars, and blood covered their face. However, they didn't get far before Uliet pulled the trigger watching the head burst into red mist. It wasn't long before more came through, some screaming for blood and skulls. Blood mowed down the charging horde again thanks to the bridge, but it didn't help for every ten or fifteen Blood killed. There is twenty or thirty would quickly replace the dead. The two Space Marines continued to fire down the bridge killing the horde until they got closer to the other side. Blood is the first to abandon his hellstorm heavy bolter disconnecting it from his power armor. He grabbed the hilt of his eviscerator, rushing forward the teeth of the saw, ripping through the first four cultist blood splattering all across Blood's power armor. Uliet continues to fire his bolter providing cover to Blood melee. It didn't last as Uliet drew his short powers daggers, joining the fray with his battle brother. The two are a hurricane of gore, blood, and death to all those around them.
Several Cultists in the back set up an autocannon of some unknown pattern. It looked Xenos in design. The Hound's Cultists prepared everything screaming more blood for their God. The gunner didn't even aim; instead, they pulled the trigger. The autocannon wasn't a standard cannon, for it unleashed a hail of laser beams straight through their fellow cultists. Blood and Uliet tried to react, but thanks to their power armor, it splattered all across them as both defended their helmet-covered heads. However, they couldn't move as the laser fire continued raining across the bridge. Suddenly the overwhelming fire stopped without warning, allowing Uliet to see that the shooter's head had disappeared. The small traces of red mist told Uliet all he needed to know, returning to thrusting his dagger into the heart of another cultist that tried to lanch onto his waist. He noticed another Cultist's head disappeared in a puff of red mist, telling him that Howe must have found an advantage point to let him see the bridge. He back away allows Blood to let loose as his fellow Blackheart regains his stride, the eviscerator ripping through the flesh of those that stood in his way with each mighty swing.
"Howe," Uliet called through the vox to see where his brother is at this moment. He slashed the throat of another Cultist, which rushed forward, wielding a piece of scrap metal in the shape of an ax.
'What's the situation Uliet.' Howe's voice came over the vox.
Uliet stabbed another cultist without another thought; 'Bad, the bridge is helpful, but it will turn against us. We are slowly becoming overwhelmed.' Uliet voxed back returning to helping Blood, who seemed to decide to go farther into the wave of enemies.
'Stilgar should have a plan to deal with it. I sent him to give Reiner a better chance and a way out for you two. I will provide overwatch the whole time. You two better be ready for what is about to come.' A single shot kills another three cultists.
It caused the Shyish native to chuckle upon hearing his fellow Shyish doing what he did best, especially during those decades before the coming of the Nameless King. Stilgar had dealt with the metal undead and the predators of the black sands. Few were warriors of the desert-like Stilgar. Uliet all too well how close he almost died whenever facing Stilgar in certain rituals. He turned his head, seeing Blood swing Reaver the teeth of the chainsword shredding through the waist, blood spilling onto the ground before bisecting the foe. Uliet moves with surprising grace, his short sword and dagger piercing and slashing all those in front of him. The enemy couldn't get close to the Space Marine while many charged Blood. However, those meet with a very gruesome bloody end. The fighting is vicious with no end in sight, with the cultist seemingly unlimited numbers both mortals and those System Lord Guards that were prominent soldiers. However, they fought as mad berserkers, none of the former disciples they once held against the Storm Lords.
'Stilgar gave me the signal get ready.' Howe vox after several minutes
Blood and Uliet began to retreat to their original position at the entrance to the new Spire after hours of fighting, their armor covered in gore and blood. There are marks from cultists' lucky strikes and burn marks from the hail of laser fire recently. However, the Space Marines stood unbowed against the wave of foes as they continued to retreat, finally reaching the threshold of the bridge and the other Spire. The two fight death with their swords until Uliet activates the vox.
"In position," Uliet announces, kicking a charging enemy back, easily breaking the person's chest with a single kick.
Nothing happened for a moment. The two Space Marines continued to fight; the bridge exploded under itself. The supports throughout the bridge began to fall apart, causing those on the bridge to collapse. Uliet and Blood watched the destruction which Stilgar had quickly done, but they didn't know where their brother was at this very moment. That is until the harpoon of a grapnel launcher latched itself onto the ceiling right above Uliet and Blood. They both followed the line revealing the figure of Stilgar zipping up to them. They both helped Stilgar up from the ledge as he looked down at the destruction he caused with a few demo chargers and haywire mines that could do such damage. It worked, giving Blood and Uliet the breathing space they needed before gathering up their wargear. Stilgar moved a bit away on overwatch, feeling the taint in the very air far more than the other areas he had explored. Blood checked his hellstorm heavy bolter, loading it up with the last reminding ammo. He scowled a bit, seeing how low he was, but it will have to do they had to catch up with Reiner.
Uliet slid his last dagger back to its sheath before rechecking his carbine; "Howe has a good view of everything?" he asked, glancing over to Stilgar to get a better idea of their sniper's position.
Stilgar glances to his brother; "He has the view, but anywhere lower can be a problem. The warp corruption has changed the very foundation of the building. What I saw from the outside everything seemed normal, but now looking from the inside, the interior is far different." Stilgar said, seeing how the walls seemed to shift from the very shadows.
"We all knew that is the case." Blood said, lifting his heavy bolter to prepare to move into the madness itself. "The Blackhearts can't function without Reiner. We all know this. He is the one that brought us together." He added, reminding Stilgar and Uliet why the Blackhearts existence in the first place.
Uliet gave the nod; "I know Blood, and that's why we are going after him." He answered, making his way over to the dark hallway.
"Reiner has about an hour and a half on us. There is no telling how far he got or if he already got to the Chaos Portal. We need to move and catch up with him." Stilgar said, checking the hub of his helmet.
"Howe, I want you to try and provide whatever overwatch you can. We are going deeper into the Spire." Uliet vox began to go deep into the warp building.
Lieutenant Reiner Hetzau: Hour and Half earlier
Reiner cautiously moved forward yet kept up a steady pace through the twisted horrors that the warp caused into the very foundation of the building. The Space Marine continues moving through the hallway. He stopped for a moment seeing a dead person apart from the wall, the look of horror forever placed upon the person's face. However, that didn't stop him as he continued his way, watching everything around him yet never breaking his stride. The light upon his bolt rifle continues to move side to side, waiting for something to jump out. So far, nothing attacked Reiner, which made him far more warn about what hides in these shifting shadows. The Lieutenant is glad that he is a strong pariah allowing him not to be affected too badly by the warp. The first lesser daemon came out from the shadows, but Reiner grasped it, crushing the enemy's skull without realizing it. He glances down to see what lesser daemon seeing one of the Crow's weaker minions. Reiner increased his pace, knowing that he had to get going, for he wasted too much time.
After the first ambush by the daemon, the attacks became more apparent, yet Reiner met the challenge with a single tug of the trigger. The Crow's minions swarmed Reiner, but he kept moving forward, seeming unstoppable. However, the damage upon his power armor began to appear as he continued to descend downwards into the ever-changing building. The process didn't slow, but tedious is what Reiner could find the best way to explain it for all the Crow's minions were small, only getting in his way. Soon, Lieutenant entered a new room that looked more like a research area than anything else from the few powered-up cogitators from the low dim of their screens. Reiner held out his hand, causing his Ghost to appear, turning to look at his partner.
"Do we have time to understand what happened here?" the Ghost asked with a quirk of the shell.
The Blackheart stepped up to one of the dimly light screens with a single nod; "We need to know what first came out of the tear. The Chaos portal is open, but the question is, why are there so many Crow and Hound lesser daemons working together. The information about the attacks shows that it is a mixture of the two, with a few undivided. However, shouldn't there be at least one or two from the Snake and Raven?" Reiner explained, hoping the Ghost understood his consider.
The Ghost let out a sigh before flying over towards the console, unleashing a beam of light beginning the hacking process. Reiner did a swipe of the area, searching for notes or some datapads to give him a better idea. He found a few torn scarps of paper about long hours or overbearing supervisors. However, it wasn't until he found one hastily written note with the ink used in blood.
'Deceived we unleashed hell. I am sorry, Lilith. I couldn't stop it.'
It seemed like one of these engineers or scientists understood the horror they were unleashing upon the world. Suddenly, a sound caught his attention seeing his Ghost bring up a holographic image of what he could only guess: the torn open into the Immaterium. The video begins with a mixture of Sokar's Guards, scientists, and many engineers surrounding what Reiner knew as a Webway Portal. It would explain so many things about how the tear got so bad, including the pathway collapsing, allowing the tides of the warp into the passageway. Reiner didn't have the information, especially with Lady Lileath traveling the webway with her Troupe or spending time with the Laughing God within the Black Library. Lady Isha hasn't left Ghryan hiding with the rest of the Exodites through means unknown only to Lord Gwyn. Reiner once again focused on the video seeing they were beginning with the experiment.
"This is Head Overseer Bynarr beginning experiment of the device found by Lord Sokar, praise his name, in being able to enter the Divine Realm. All the tests and Jumar with the Necropolis Guard stand by if something goes wrong. We have several subjects to enter the device once activated." One eye heavily robed figure explained, turning to see the machine one last time. "This is a great day once activated. Lord Sokar's influence shall easily eclipse the other System Lords and be the one true God." Overseer Bynarr added to the screen.
There is such activity all around until finally the test 'subjects' arrived all chained together with Necropolis Guards pushing them forward a few trying to struggle only for one of the Necropolis Guard to backhand them to the ground. Bynarr stepped forward as he made his way over to a different console turning to look at everyone before him as if he was taking his time to enjoy what they were about to achieve in a few moments. He didn't say anything Bynarr motions for some of the Necropolis Guard to push the test subjects forward. Bynarr turned his head to a heavily armored Necropolis Guard who seemed to be in charge. He tapped a few buttons on the holographic screen.
"It's time for all the other System Lords to witness the greatness of Sokar," Bynarr yelled, activating the machine.
The discharge travel along the Webway surged with the unnatural power they used to power the ancient device. The discharge continued to pour forward until the Webway activated, causing Bynarr to laugh aloud, arms raised, seeing that it worked. However, something happened very wrong as the arcing lightning changed colors from blue, red, green, and purple several times. The swirling portal began to swirl colors that no one could hope to describe; a few of those closest to the Webway started clawing at their faces until blood streamed down the open wounds. It wasn't long before the first daemon came out one of the Hound's minions, a Bloodletter wielding a serrated blade with a cloak wrapped around its shoulder. The Bloodletter let out a blood roar rushing forward, killing the three closest people. The cape flowed along, revealing every type of skull hanging from the mantle. It wasn't long before more Hound's minions began rushing out of the portal, joining into the slaughter. Another Daemon stepped out of the Webway, seeming overweight carried by more minor Daemons. It held a rusty blade swinging it forward, causing more minions of the Crow to surge ahead. The Crow's sickly lesser daemon had all the definition from the single horn and plump body, yet the dozen smaller daemons that seemed to carry the portly leader forward seemed very strange. The rusty blade thrust into one of the Necropolis Guard, not killing the poor fool. It instead infected the guard into becoming a Plague Zombie, which attacked another, spreading the disease.
There is an image of the Bloodletter gripping the throat of Bynarr struggling for freedom, but it is a pointless struggle. The Daemon stares into Bynarr's eyes filled with fear, not wishing to die in such a matter. However, the sword's tip pushed slowly into the chest, seemingly enjoying the struggling form of Bynarr. The Bloodletter enjoyed Bynarr's eyes' dimming light before throwing the body away, losing interest in the action. The sitting bloated disease figure spreads the plagues with each stab and slash of his rusty rotten blade. The leader of the Necropolis was dragged forward by his former men forcing him to kneel before the Crow's laughing figure. The edge knicks the Necropolis Guard's check. The effects are instantly watching the Zombie Plague take over the man, seeing him contort and twist his body in the most unnatural ways before slowly rising as one of the infected.
The camera seemed to cut out for a moment before it appeared again, showing the two lesser Daemons looking at each other, each seeming ready to kill each other. However, the Crow's minion back off, heading off to spread its gift while the Hound's minion gathered up the bodies to remove the heads. The video cuts off.
Reiner stares at the black screen for a few more minutes; "Fucking hell, the Skulltaker, and the Tallyman. Those are some hefty players. I am guessing the Tallyman is leading the charge against our defensive line. It will be quite the fight if the Skulltaker is protecting the corrupted Webway Portal." Reiner said, shaking his head in the thought of what he witnessed.
"I concur. The Skulltaker is quite the warrior for the Hound's influence and realm. However, it is strange that he is staying behind, guarding the Webway." The Ghost added its thoughts to what they saw in the video.
He let out a sigh resting a hand on the hilt of his power sword wish that he prepared a bit better against the Skulltaker. Reiner shakes his head, seeing no point in thinking about the what if he had a mission to complete. He glanced at his Ghost, which gave him a nod showing the encouragement. Reiner left the room, continuing his path downwards; it is more apparent that the Hound's bitches call this spire home. The bolt rifle unleashed its bolts, killing the wandering Bloodletters and Flesh Hounds before they knew what had happened. It wasn't long before the rooms and hallways showed how the Blood God's daemons claim everything from the small stack skulls, blood cover walls, and the symbol of the Blood God everywhere. Reiner made sure he didn't pay too close attention to anything, finally seeing the corrupted Webway within the massive lab. On the raised platform in front of the Webway, Reiner saw U'Zhul the Skulltaker surrounded by thousands of skulls, each nicely polished on each step leading up to the forum. U'Zhul turned his head. A smile appeared, the Slayer Sword resting within his grasp, blood dripping from the edge of the blade.
Reiner didn't hesitate to lift his bolt rifle, pulling the trigger unleashing hell upon the Skulltaker as U'Zhul used the cloak of skulls to block the bolts. The skulls shattered from the impact of bolts, yet it didn't seem like it did anything. U'Zhul let out a chilling scream rushing forward the edge of the Slayer Sword, cleaving into the very floor. Reiner dropped his bolt rifle, drawing his power sword and short sword, deciding to do something foolish. He blocked the red and black Slayer Sword using both weapons. However, the weight behind the strike from the daemon is heavy, far heavier than Reiner expected when he blocked the strike. It took all of Reiner's strength not to have his knees buckle under the strike. He wasn't master swordsmen or duelists like the Abyssal Knights and the Witchers. If he is honest with himself, he is average at best, but Reiner didn't have skill. He made up with dirty tricks and cheating. U'Zhul continues to put more pressure to bisect the fool before him. The long red tongue slithered out between the pointy fang teeth, ready to taste fresh blood.
U'Zhul felt pain surge through his skull with one of the two skulls held by his horns cracked, causing the Bloodletter to stumble backward. The Skulltaker shook his head, feeling a blade pierce his side, causing him to roar, seeing the enemy having headbutted him, then stabbed him with the short sword. Reiner continues penetrating U'Zhul from the unexpected headbutt, but the shock wore off quite quickly for the Space Marine to leap back from a wide arcing slash. The short blade cut deep and out from the side of the Bloodletter, allowing the blood to flow, but Reiner noticed how the daemon blood seemed to burn the very floor. U'Zhul snarl reaching down, putting pressure against an unexpected wound. The daemon continued to put pressure until flames began to surge from the gaping wound. U'Zhul removed his hand, now covered in flames with a demented smile resting upon the daemon's face. Reiner got into position, ready to adjust the grip on his blades before jumping out of the way from a flying fireball. The Space Marine kept dodging the fireballs even on a few occasions; a stream of fire blasted his way. The dance between the two continued until U'Zhul lost patience, charging forward again, but kept hurling flames at the Storm Lord.
The blades met with sparks between the two as the two fought not in some grand fashion but as warriors simply trying to kill each other in any way possible. Reiner punched, kicked, headbutted, slashed, and stabbed, wounding the Skulltaker any possible way. However, U'Zhul didn't seem fazed by any action, which Reiner did, for he kept swinging Slayer Sword with Fury and anger, quickly getting more robust with each passing moment. The tip of the Slayer Sword found another weak point rendering part of the greave of the power armor. Reiner barely had enough time to back away before losing his arm. However, the tip of his power sword did knick the cheek of U'Zhul from the retreat. He breathed heavily, feeling as if the fight had already gone on for hours instead of a few moments. U'Zhul's tongue licked the droplet of blood from his cheek, the smile growing large, revealing all his fangs. The blood began to stain those fangs as the daemon rushed forth again, wildly swinging the sword like a mad berserker. Reiner kept blocking and dodging those wild swings seeing the experience and planning behind each swing as Reiner used his short blade to stop a downward strike from U'Zhul's burning sword. The short sword held the Slayer Sword for enough time for Reiner to shove his power sword right into the chest of U'Zhul.
Everything seemed to stop between the two, with Reiner's sword pierced U'Zhul's chest and out the other side. Reiner tried to push the blade more profound into U'Zhul, but laugher began to escape the Skulltaker's mouth. The daemon's hand lashed out, wrapping his hand around the gorget, lifting Reiner. The Space Marine held firm upon the hilt of his sword, refusing to release it. The Skulltaker had a smile with his tongue, licking out tasting the blood running down his cheek once again before Reiner could stab the daemon again. He felt the Slayer Sword pierce through the chest of his power armor. Everything felt slow to Reiner; the strange feeling that he wasn't even inside his body grew. The revitalizer began to release the chemicals giving Reiner a bit more clarity of everything around him. He growled, shoving his sword into the neck of the Skulltaker before twisting it and pulling the blade towards him. U'Zhul's throat sliced opened causing blood to fall. The unexpected strike caused U'Zhul to stagger again, lowering Reiner enough for him to pull out the power sword. The Space Marine removed his sword before swinging it down, removing the arm shoved into his stomach. U'Zhul screamed, falling backward, but Reiner didn't give the Bloodletter a chance to recover, aiming the tip of the power sword right at U'Zhul's bleeding neck and thrust right back into the wound. Reiner sliced U'Zhul's neck again, this time removing the daemon's head from its body. He knew that it wouldn't do anything, but it gave him time. The revitalizer still kept pumping the chemicals through his body to keep him alive, yet the wound did quite a lot of damage. Reiner turned around, leaving the head and body of the Skulltaker behind him struggling to reach the corrupted Webway portal to destroy it and cut the warp off from the Materium world.
Reiner made his way to the platform's stairs, seeing each step lined with people's skulls in the room, including many more at the base of the Webway Gate. The dripping blood from the gaping wound in his chest made moving quite unbearable, but he continued taking each step as fast as he could. The injury continued spilling blood down his legs, and with each step, he took as he made it midway up the stairs, he placed his hand against the wound to try and stop the bleeding. Reiner felt his body beginning to recover. It was enough for him to continue moving again. He took one more step when suddenly, the Slayer Sword pierced through his shoulder, pain erupting through his whole body. He bites back a scream; instead, he roars out, turning his head seeing the form of U'Zhul holding the sword in one hand and the other hand the head, now laughing at Reiner.
"BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD" U'Zhul screamed as he reattached his head to his body as if nothing had happened.
Reiner fought to move forward to remove the blade from his shoulder, but U'Zhul didn't let up, shoving the sword deeper into Reiner's shoulder. The Lieutenant understands that he is about to lose his right arm from the movement of the blade. Reiner had to do something flipping the gladius around. He shoves the knife into the side of the Skulltaker again and again, trying not to let U'Zhul finish the cut. It wasn't working, and the sound of the Skulltaker's laugh echoes throughout the room as he put pressure to remove Reiner's left arm altogether.
"IN WAR" the words echoed throughout the room.
Reiner blinked; "VICTORY," he responded.
"IN PEACE," a different voice came from the distance.
"VIGILANCE" Reiner yelled, feeling strength from the Storm Lord's motto gripping the blade, halting the process.
"IN DEATH"
Reiner grit his teeth, feeling renewed strength staring up to his objective. "SACRIFICE," he roared, launching himself forward, the blade sliding out from Reiner's shoulder. He charges ahead, heading straight up to the Webway.
U'Zhul roared the slight of a new trophy leaving him behind and destroying the plan the Lord of Murder came up with for this world. The Blooded Wanderer rushed to follow only for bolts piercing through his back. The sound of three different bolters obliterating U'Zhul's body echoed throughout the room. Reiner paid no attention to that as he focused solely on the objective. He grabbed a specialty grenade and demo charges from his pouch. Reiner reached certain areas of the Webway, placing the grenade and demo charge into place, the blood seeping down his wounds. The sound of bolt fire continued to echo through the room before he turned around, rushing down the stairs seeing the bullet-ridden Skulltaker trying to make it up the stairs to stop the destruction of the Webway. Reiner saw Blood, Uliet, and Stilgar, pointing their weapons at the daemon, unleashing another barrage of bullets.
Stilgar rushed forward, helping Reiner as the four retreated from the room. As they reached the threshold, the grenade and dem charge went off, causing the bone to split. The wraithbone didn't have its standard substance for the energy, which the researchers used seemed to damage the structure's core. The grenade and demo charge was far more robust thanks to Duardin engineering; the explosion caused the wraithbone to crack and split apart. U'Zhul let out a roar, the backlash of the gateway beginning to close the Skulltaker feels the tug of his form beginning to return to the Immaterium. The daemon turned, pointing towards the four Space Marines eyes filled with a burning hatred for each one.
"YOUR SKULLS ARE MINE."
Those are the last words of U'Zhul before returning to the warp disappearing. However, the destruction of the Webway gate caused the whole room to become unstable. The ceiling began to cave in, destroying everything. The four Space Marines got out of the crumbling room, escaping until the entrance was blocked entirely by rumble. Stilgar and Uliet helped Reiner to the wall sitting him down as they began to look at his injuries. Every Blackheart knew medical knowledge as they began providing first-aid to their brother. Blood protected them as they continued to work on Reiner, seeing that his body began to repair itself from the damage. However, they didn't know how severe the injury was until they reached back to base for an entire examination of Reiner's wounds.
"This is the best we can do, brother. I am impressed you deal with the Skulltaker. That is quite the accomplishment." Stilgar whispered, keeping Reiner awake and aware of everything they were doing for him.
Reiner let out a bitter laugh shaking his head; "Not truthful, the bastard got up after having his head removed. The corruption in that room was vital, so the Skulltaker protected the webway portal. The passageway probably cut off from the rest, so it led directly to the warp tides allowing such a solid presence to appear on the planet." Reiner said, grunting from the pain of his brothers fixing him up.
Uliet nodded; "Your guess is a good one. We know that much because the war and the Aeldari allowed the eye to form within real space." He said, thinking about Reiner's thoughts. "However, I think we are going have to worry about the Blooded Wanderer now coming after us from that little statement of his after returning to Immaterium. We will have to watch ourselves whenever dealing with the enemy." Uliet said, finished repairing what little he could of Reiner's power armor.
Reiner gave a wet cough feeling blood coming up from his throat into his mouth before spitting it out before nodding his head. "Agreed, I will send a report after re-contacting with the fleet and tell Lady Druuna. However, the Skulltaker wasn't the only one that came out of the gate. The Tallyman is leading the assault on Archmagos Tesla and Lady Druuna's position right now. It's why we have seen both the Hound and the Crow symbols across the city." Reiner said, coughing again before spitting out some blood. "We can only hope with the tear close our forces will have a much easier time now," Reiner said, slowly rising to lead his brothers.
Stilgar and Uliet went to help Reiner, but he waved them off, knowing they had done enough for him. Blood stepped forward, holding out Reiner's bolt rifle for him to take, which he did with a nod to Blood in thanks. Reiner checked his weapon before having a nod moving forward, looking at his brothers. He gave them a nod as the four began to make their way out of the Spire to signal a mission complete. The Blackhearts once again did the impossible and did a task that many thoughts were a death sentence. However, they just hoped that they could make a difference on the battlefield that their brothers and allies were facing against at this very moment.
Defensive Line hours before destruction of the Chaos Portal
They came in waves the endless horde of undead, daemons of the crow, and daemon-filled machines. They rushed the lines of the Mechanicus relentless, yet the Mechanicus continued to hold their ground thanks to their Duardin and Astartes allies. However, the strain of the attack grew with each passing second. The battle horns of the Titanica sounded in the distance as the three massive Warlord Sinister Psi-Titan moved forward to meet their foes. The battlefield was a chaotic mess as both sides tried to gain the upper hand in any way possible. However, what is making things worst is the sudden sickness and diseases spreading throughout the defenders. The reports of the dead rising didn't help the situation either, but thanks to the rapid response of the Space Marines, the problem is salvageable from a particular view. Everyone knew that everything was on a knife-edge. One move would tip it for one's favor or disfavor in a matter of moments.
Druuna charges the undead lines, the reaper chainsword carving through the undead as body parts and blood splattered all across the ground. She felt the sweat dripping down her forehead and cheeks, the heat within Shastar was becoming unbearable, but she endured. The Lost Knights spread throughout the defensive line. The initial attack went so well that Druuna almost thought they would make it to the Hive City. However, those thoughts quickly disappeared when the undead appeared, and infections ravaged their forces. The offensive is on defense with the Lost Knights pillars to keep morale across their lines. Druuna is right in the center as Shastar unleashes the Gatling cannon across enemy lines. The Mechanicus troops pressed their attack from the sudden relief from Shastar. Druuna didn't move; instead, she continued unleashing death with the Gatling cannon watching the zombies burst apart.
"Push, we need to keep up the assault" Druuna came from the intercom of Shastar, rallying those around her.
In the distance, she saw one large Plague Hulk rushing forward on its rusted spider-like legs, trying to close the space to get close to her. The bloated palish green flesh with festering wounds with rusted canon for its left arm and dirty, rusty piece of metal barely shaped like a sword. Druuna saw maggots wiggling from some sections of rotten flesh even from this distance as she focused on her newest enemy. She knew that she had to hold this ground, for she knew that the Blackhearts would complete their mission. Druuna took a deep, shaky breath wiping the sweat from her face and forehead, preparing to fight the hulking, plagued-filled daemon getting closer with every passing moment.
"Let's go, Shastar," She whispered, urging the Knight Styrix found to fight against the lumbering Plague Hulk.
The two met as if they were clashing titans fighting against each other as the Imperial Knight swung its chainsword forward, the teeth whirling with such speed clashing against the plague sword which the daemon engine used. The sparks caused the undead between their feet to catch on fire. Druuna commanded her mount as the Gatling cannon pointed to one of the fleshy bits of the Hulk. She pulled the trigger, causing pieces of rotten flesh to fly off and hit the ground. However, the daemon engine lifted its rot cannon in response, preparing to fire, but Druuna quickly shoulder-charged the Plague Hulk causing the shot to miss hitting the mass of undead in the distance. Druuna continues to hack away with her chainsword black ichor spilling out the rotten flesh. The chainsword removed itself from the side of the disease filth skin teeth swirling to remove the meat from the treads. Druuna urged Shastar to aim for one of the rusted metal legs, which the Imperial Knight did cause more sparks to fly. The Plague Hulk tried to do something, but Druuna didn't give the daemon engine a chance to respond. The Gatling cannon is shoved right into the gaping pus-filled belly. The gun went off, tearing through the flesh and leaving the other end. It is almost like Druuna is trying to scythe through the Plague Hulk with her weapon.
However, the chainsword cut through one of the rusted legs causing the Plague Hulk to tip over, giving her a chance she wanted, swinging the chainsword straight down dead center on the swollen head. The rotten flesh and gore spilled out onto the battlefield, and those under them as Druuna cut the daemon engine in half. She didn't get a chance to relish the kill for the sight of more Plague Hulks coming forward told her that the next wave was coming. Druuna turned to face the oncoming enemy. However, before she could move, the warhorn of the King of Terrors sounded across the battlefield. Druuna turned, seeing the sight of the Titan walking forward, lifting the Sinistramanus Tenebrae, the deadly glow beginning to arc across the length of the Psi-Cannon. The Imperial Knight pilot's eyes widen at the sight of the fatal weapon starting to charge up to unleash itself.
"FALL BACK! FALL BACK NOW!" Druuna screamed over the vox network and intercom for those charged with her.
The Mechanicus that were around quickly turned around to fall back. Druuna didn't wait too long as she gave a mental urge to Shastar the lumbering Imperial Knight began to turn around and rush back to their lines. Druuna's eyes continue to watch the bright blue light arcing across the Sinistramanus Tenebrae as the Psi-Titan aimed the seemingly endless horde before them. The shot came out like a beam of pure blue and white light shooting forward towards the enemy lines while their forces continued to fall back, hoping to reach safety. The blast is blinding everyone across the battlefield and beyond. Some of the Skiktarii became blind from the light, even a few of the Space Marines. The flash lasted for several minutes until it finally died away, revealing complete and utter destruction across the battlefield. Nothing survived, for everything eradicated by a single shot. Druuna blinked a few times until seeing how The King of Terror wiped out a large majority of their army, but many remained in the distance. She knew that hundreds of psykers lost their lives by one single shot. Druuna didn't wish to waste those lives again, turning around seeing something in the distance.
A single figure began to move forward, sitting on some throne carried by more minor shape daemons in some flesh wave. It had one single horn jetting out from the top of its forehead with a single eye bloodshot and oozing green ichor. There is an hourglass resting under its fat arm as it leans forward. Druuna knew who this daemon was, remembering reading about the Tallyman, one of the Crow's important minions, to keep track of everything. The Tallyman continues urging the nurglings forward, holding onto his rusty plague sword. Druuna gripped her throne for a long moment staring at Epidemius, leading a new charge filled with undead and daemon engines. It seemed to be the rest of his forces through giving Druuna and the others a chance. Druuna didn't wait. She urged Shastar forward to meet their newest enemy. The Imperial Knight pilot took a look seeing more nurglings beginning to join those that were carrying Epidemius's throne. The little nurglings came together around Epidemius, giving him the ability, size, and massive to match Shastar. The Tallyman could grab a discarded plague sword from one of the destroyed Plague Hulks. Druuna and Epidemius met at the center as the two armies clashed against each other.
The Tallyman and Imperial Knight fought, rendering rotten flesh and iron skin, each one trying to end one another to take advantage, which The King of Terrors provides. Druuna felt every minor hit, scratched, and fresh scars upon the chassis of Shastar. Epidemius kept using the massive Plague sword from the Plague Hulk, but he also used his more miniature sword for quick stabs against the head of the Imperial Knight. Druuna felt blood trickling down her nose as she gritted her teeth, her eyes becoming bloodshot. She would not lose or surrender the enemy of her husband. Druuna will show them why Gwyn had her by his side as the other two. The memories from her time on the Space Hulk returned to the forefront of her mind. Druuna tightens the grip of her throne, her nails digging into the metal, breaking a few. She didn't care; all she cared about was the enemy in front of her.
The Gatling cannon moved forward until the barrel pointed right at the dozen nurglings that formed the Tallyman's feet. The gun unleashed itself killing dozen of those little daemons without mercy, but that still didn't seem to slow the wiggling body of Epidemius. Another strike from the plague sword hit the chainsword more sparks flew between the two. Epidemius did another stab right into the eye of Shastar's right eye, blinding Druuna and the Imperial Knight, which the daemon took advantage of swinging the more oversized plague sword. The rusty blade hit the shoulder and leg of the Knight Styrix, causing the machine to stumble. The Tallyman used his newly formed bulk to charge Druuna to send her to the ground, but Druuna adjusted her mount the best she could so she wouldn't fall on her back. The daemon giggled before turning into a full belly laugh, looking down at the prey before him.
"The Grandfather has truly blessed me with so many new viruses, strands, and contagions on this world. However, you mortal, I smell something different, something unique," Epidemius spoke, lumbering forward, showing that he is still struggling using a body entirely made up of nurglings, all giggling and laughing. Those who carry his throne are the only ones who do not laugh or speak. "I think the Grandfather will gift me if I provide him with you, especially after what that abomination took from the Garden. Oh, the gifts he will give me I can not wait." Epidemius gloated in his heavy wet speaking voice, thinking of the praise he will receive and new duties he shall perform to spread Nurgle's gift.
Druuna felt pain from the connection of Shastar losing his eye, but she knew that it was phantom pains, nothing more, but it still hurt. She bit down on her bottom lip, feeling blood against her tongue and teeth. Druuna stated up looking out of the single good eye of her Knight Styrix, hearing the boasting daemon about what he will get from the Crow if he brings her to the Grandfather. She knew that she would never go to the immaterium, nor would Druuna become a prisoner as Lady Isha did. She only told a few stories of captivity and the horror inflicted upon Isha. The pilot willed the knight forward to continue the fight, the chainsword roaring to life once again, swiping right at the base of the temporary form that Epidemius created for the daemon is a Plaguebearer, not a Great Unclean One. The chainsword cut through the mass of nurglings removing Epidemius legs from under him. However, Druuna fired the two rad cleansers position on the shoulders of Shastar. Druuna became relentless in trying to kill the Plaguebearer that stood before her.
The fight continued until something happened. The very air seemed to change as Druuna cut through the chest of Epidemius's false body, getting close to the so-call heart of Epidemius who sat there upon his rotten throne. Epidemius struggled to move from the crumbling throne. He waved his plague sword to defend himself, for he indeed wasn't a fighter but a record keeper. Druuna leveled the Gatling canon right into Epidemius's crumbling body, unleashing a torrent of bullets. The nurglings were screaming as they died in droves. Epidemius commanded his minions to protect him using their bodies as a shield. It worked for a while, but Druuna let up until the cannon became overheated. She swung the chainsword again, rendering the nurglings from the rest of the false body. Finally, after several swipes, Epidemius sat on the ground, still firmly in place upon his throne, unable to move. The Plaguebearer looked up; his single eye stared at the looming Imperial Knight, beginning to laugh again at how the tables had turned against him.
"I will see you again in the Garden."
Druuna slammed the chainsword down, tearing Epidemius apart until nothing was left. She stared at the mess of rotten flesh, wood, and broken hourglass for a long time. The loss of the Tallyman made the enemy attack come entirely apart. The Plague zombies and the minor daemons seemed lost, unable to function without Epidemius. Everyone saw the difference taking it as a sign as they pressed the attack to the fullest. Druuna leads the charge scything through the enemy lines at the tip. Soon the battle is a route for the enemy allowing Archmagos Tesla's forces to begin the clean-up process and set up new defensive lines. As the Mechanicus built a new forward base for continued operations, everyone felt something change. The very air began to shift, and the weight on everyone's shoulders began to lift. Everyone even seems to have a lighter step now as they quickly did their duties far easier than previously.
Druuna sat in front of Shastar. A Field Chirurgeon had an open medi-pack before them, beginning to examine Druuna's wounds gained during her fight. The Chirurgeon gently flashed a light into Druuna's left eye seeing the reaction nodding their head, seeing no damage from the feedback. While Druuna got checked up, a team of tech-priests was repairing and replacing parts for Shastar after dealing with the last reminding Plague Hulks. Everyone in the camp knew that Druuna got the highest kill count among the Lost Knights. It simply gave those among the Lost Knights more reasons to have her be the leader and Lady of their Freeblade band. Druuna held onto a datapad seeing how the communication had cleared up, signaling that the Blackhearts had completed their mission to deal with the Chaos portal. It pleased her to know that the others were safe and survived while the fleet came back into contact with the planet too. It gave them hope for reinforces to come to provide support.
"Lady Druuna," someone called as they rushed forward, catching her attention.
The person running up to Druuna is someone freshly initiative within the Mechanicus, for the young woman is wearing a red robe but barely had any cybernetics. The young woman is still flesh and blood. There were signs that the young acolyte was preparing to get cybernetics to replace parts of her body. The acolyte stops running, catching her breath as she glances up to the mighty Imperial Knight for a moment feeling in awe of the war machine. Druuna saw a look of one that belonged to the religion of the Machine Cult. It made her wonder why Nikola took the young woman into his sect, especially since Nikola is a Scientist and Engineer, how the Duardin people are in their way of technology.
The young woman finally caught her breath, standing straight and holding out a datapad for Druuna to take. "Lady Druuna, here is an update from orbit plus a message from the fleet." The young woman said, trying to act professionally before a high-ranking commander in the Expeditionary fleet.
"Thank you," she said, taking the datapad beginning to read it, her eyes scanning all the new information before her before shooting up.
The Chirurgeon jumped backward from the sudden action looking at Druuna with a tilt of their head. The young Tech-Priest blinked, shocked by the Knight Pilot's reaction to whatever she read, which caused such a reaction. Druuna continues to stare down at the report feeling happy and angry about what is about to come now.
"Tell Archmagos Tesla to prepare for an invasion from orbit. Also, I want Grey Commanders to report to me immediately." Druuna ordered as the two quickly saluted went on their way without saying anything else. She turned her head to look at the scambling Tech-Priest working on her knight. "I want Shastar up and ready for action." She said, causing the engineers to stop looking down at her for a second.
One is brave enough to speak, curious what is going on since they have won, haven't they? "What has happened, Lady Druuna?" they asked caution in their approach when asking their question.
Druuna didn't say anything for a moment until staring up to the now clear sky a frown formed on her beautiful face; "We are about to greet the System Lord Sokar very soon. That is the bad news." She said, knowing that everyone is exhausted from their long hours of fighting. "However, we are going to receive reinforcements, so we must hold out," Druuna said, looking right at the workers, all nodding determination filling their eyes.
She turned away, heading towards the main camp to begin planning. While going through her mind, all she wanted was a break. Is that too much to ask, she thought to herself, preparing for the next battle ahead of her.
Author Note: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.