CHAPTER THREE

AT THE TIME OF THE GOLDEN AGE

( Part II fnl. )

Mids.-800s.M30.

Imperial Palace

The forge chamber was quiet, only the sound of pounding metal and the sparks of fire could be heard. Two Brothers stood above their own horn anvils, crafting their own weapons. Unable to gaze upon another, they had taken the liberty of working their craftwork to themselves and In complete silence, as they had an understanding of boundaries.

The temperature of the room was high, so high that even a mere human couldn't withstand It's heat. Except a Primarch. The Sons of the Emperor had many abilities, and many skills. All were trained In different ways, and every one of them were taught differently on the aspect of life. Though few of them were taught on It by different kinds of means. Such as Pain, and Suffering.

Few of them were lucky enough to end up on planets where they would be usually worshiped as Gods, or Kings. While others had to endure the painful reality of their world. However, all of the Sons of the Emperor had taken up their own talent of mastery. Forging, Designing, Strength, Tactics of Warfare, Glory, Honor, Courage, Perfection, Knowledge, Blood, and even the Glimpse of the Future. All rare talents, but even these kinds of talents bring, Fear. Among the Brothers there will always be the feeling of hesitation, the feeling of being exposed with the weakness they carry. Even the greatest of gifts, can become the worst of curses.

As the continuation of metal being heated, and molded by the two brothers. One had noticed an absence of one particular figure not being In the same room as them. Without glancing away from his work, one asked.

"Vulkan" Said one of them In low tone "I do not see our Brother Vulkan. Where Is he?".

Though he couldn't see what the Gorgon was doing, he could feel his movement on his work. It was known that his Brother didn't need the tools of a hammer, or the gloves of a smith to forge his work. His hands were his tools. Able to mold metal with his bare hands as they were substances of Necrodermis. Living metal hands, another rare ability among their kind.

"I do not know the whereabouts of our Brother Vulkan" Said the Gorgon with a gruff voice "Though I suspect he will be forging on Mount Narodnya, as per his training with the forge-masters".

Silence struck for a split second, before.

"And you, why are you not with him?".

The Gorgon turned to look at his Brother, though the latter didn't face him. On his metal hands Ferrus Manus the Gorgon, was holding a newly forged sword, and In the grim dark room they were In. The sword would glow with a bright color of gold.

"I do not have to. As I have trained by the forge-masters for days, weeks, and months. While I do enjoy crafting my work there, I can always use the Forge Chambers of the Imperial Palace". He said, as he grabbed the hilt of his sword, and aimed at the air as he measured It's weight. After a moment he looked at his brother with no emotion of sorts.

"Though I can understand the old forge-masters can be irritating as they always are" He said with a frown.

"Old men, trying to teach what we already have been taught. What's the point of It, when we can be taught by Father". The Gorgon's cold Silver eyes were aimed fiercely at his Brother.

"But I have to ask as to why the Lord of Iron himself, Isn't there as well? ".

Perturabo turned to face his brother, his expression hardened, unable to be read. In his hands his newly forged weapon.

Ferrus noticed It, recognizing It as a massive long War Hammer. It's length was long, extremely massive, and from what he could tell from It. It was a Thunder Hammer, able to store a huge amount of energy and release only at the moment of impact. A deadly weapon.

Though the Gorgon looked at his Brother with a raised brow.

"A Hammer, Typical".

"A Sword, Ordinary".

Both of them stared intensely at one another, and neither dared to back down. After what looked like an eternity, both stopped simultaneously, forgetting the question Ferrus had asked, as they both continued to work on their weapons.

Though the question of the current location of his Brother Vulkan was still In Perturabo's thoughts. As he breathed In, he calmly closed his eyes, and focused on the World of Terra. Specifically In the Imperial Palace, searching for his oversized of a Brother.

But he couldn't find him, not In any corner, or room, not even on Mount Narodnya. As he inhaled one more time, his thoughts went to the Utter Palace. To the City where life was basking, and where people were communicating with one another In all sorts of ways. As he focused closer, he finally found an oversized man walking down one of many alleys of the Sprawl Magnifican. But as he focused closer, he noticed the sound of giggles, and laughter coming all round his Brother.

Somewhere In the City, Vulkan was walking around, but not alone. No, he had company, small voices echoed all around him, and the sound of small footsteps running around him.

The Primarch's curiosity had reached It's limit. Wanting to see what his Brother Vulkan was doing, he let his War Hammer to rest near the counter, and walked towards the doors.

"I am Leaving" Perturabo announced, though no answer came. He didn't wait for one to begin with, as he left the Forge Chamber and made his way towards streets of the City.


THE SPRAWL MAGNIFICAN

Few knew about the hidden passages that lay In the Imperial Palace, and those who did had to be careful not to fall into any deadly traps. For every corner, death lurked In the shadows. As such memorizing every entry point was one of many priorities, If wanting to stay alive.

Perturabo was one of the few who knew about the secret entrances, and the road that one must take. It surprised him how easily one can leave, and enter the Imperial Palace, without going through the Lion's Gate.

As he reached to open the door, he could already feel the energy basking from the other side, and he was right.

In every corner he looked he saw all sorts of life, and all sorts of Interactions. It wasn't the same kind of Interactions as back at home in Olympia. But more Interesting than at least. From traders and merchants who could sell all sorts of items, weapons, liquits for the use of science or for the use of one's pleasure, vehicles, food, and of course all sorts of products that one can not buy In the brought of daylight.

Perturabo tucked his hood closer, so as not to reveal any signs of who he was, or how uncomfort he was with his current situation. For It was the first time he had disobeyed his Lord Father, when he strictly forbidden them not to venture Into the City without the attention of his or one of his Custodians. The mere Imagination of them being In danger was questionable.

Being a 10 foot tall muscular man was but a beneficial advantage for them to deal with any kind of danger, even when facing the worst of odds. None of his Brothers, or himself would allow to yield to the enemy without a fight. Perturabo knew that much, as he had to survive the baring wastelands on Olympia, and the monsters he had to kill.

As he refocused on his task at hand he continued strolling down the road, and to his at most annoyance he would bump into people while passing by the markets, or walking down the sidewalks. He made a note to himself, If he ever had a chance on reconstructing the City he would start by expanding, and widening the roads. Though he knew, that kind of subject Is a sensitive one. For between his Brothers, there would always be a competition on who can do the best, and him being one of the few who would like to redesign the Imperial City. Was one of many squabbles that they would have In the mere future, and were The Emperor. Their father will make a choice between them.

As he turned to one last alley he could feel his Brother's presence emulating closer by the minute and as he squished himself through the tight alley of the dark corner of the City. He had finally reached a small clearing.

Not big nor small, steel walls covering the buildings around It, garbage and waste lying to the corners. Windows half broken, with ropes attached to them, going all the way to another window, and on top of them were ragged clothes.

A depressing sight, which made Perturabo feel uneasy with the situation he was In, and yet. In the middle of all that, a big figure was standing tall as a tower. Dark skin, huge hands, a bald head, eyes that could glow red, and a genuine gentle smile.

Vulkan, his brother, was standing In the middle of that clearing. He had found him, but not alone. He also found the reason as to where the echoing sound of laughter was coming from. Children, children that run circles around him, and laughed at the same time.

"Vulkan" Perturabo called out.

His large brother turned to look at him, his genuine smile remained behind the cloth hood he was wearing. The children on the other hand had stopped at what they were doing. Their eyes widened with fear at the newcomer that came out of nowhere. They all run behind his Brother, their heads poking from the side of his legs.

"Brother Mine!" Vulkan said with a gentle voice. "It Is a great surprise to see you here!".

Perturabo approached him, though slowly so as to not scare the children. His Brother however, came rushing In his hands on his shoulders.

"What brings you here Brother!" Said Vulkan with a small hint of enthusiasm.

"I did not see you In the forge chambers today" Said Perturabo "As such I grew curious and tried to find you, only to feel your presence here. At first I didn't know your reason as to why come to the City, when Father specifically forbade It" He paused, as he slightly leaned to the side "But I see now, that you were...occupied with these mortal children-".

"Children!" Vulkan shouted as he stepped to the side, and with one hand showed him "Aren't they just the most adorable creatures you have ever seen!".

Perturabo's brow rose, as he didn't exactly see what his Brother was seeing. What he saw was a band of kids, with dirty hair, and wearing torn ropes that barely covered their feet.

"Umm-" "Come Brother! Let's go and join them In their fun!" Vulkan said as he dragged Perturabo by the arm.

"V-Vulkan wait! We do not have time to-". It was too late, Vulkan dragged him towards the center of the floor, and made him kneel to the ground.

"Children! Meet my Brother, Perturabo!" Vulkan introduced him, the Kids in return shyly waved at him, some their faces hidden while others looked curious at him. Perturabo didn't know what to say.

"Umm, Greetings...Children" Silence.

Perturabo nudged at his Brother.

"Vulkan we can not stay here" He whispered "Father would be furious".

Vulkan however looked at him with a smile.

"Come Brother! One game of dodgeball, and then we leave!".

"No! No! No!No games!".

"Children!".

Vulkan ignored his Brother, as he picked up what looked to be a round sphere.

"Who wants to play dodgeball!".

The kids suddenly screamed with joy, while Perturabo's ears rang from It. His Brother Vulkan turned to look at him with a known smirk.

"One round" Vulkan said "There Is no harm In It to play but one round. Isn't It, Lord of Iron?" A challenge.

"Vulkan…" Perturabo narrowed his eyes on his Brother "There Is no time to play. We-" He stopped as he felt a tag on his rope. As he looked down.

"Sorry M-Mister, but would you play one round of dodgeball with us? Please~".

Standing beside him was a small brave little mortal girl, with long dark hair and on the side was a red line. She had Brown pleading eyes, white skin but barely visible from the mud she was covered with, as well as her clothes barely able to cover her, or warm her up.

Something click In that moment, something that Perturabo hadn't felt for a long time. A familiar sensation, which he pushed away, for now. He turned to look at his brother.

"One. Round" Vulkan smiled.

"Perfect!".

They split into two teams. The goal was to aim and hit the opponent without being hit by them, and being able to take out all of the opposing team members. An easy rule, which was followed by a tough match.

Both opposing teams had a Primarch, and both were determined to win. However, One round turned into Five. From Five to Ten, and when the last round came up. Both scores were equal, and one round would determine everything.

A small drop of sweat was making Its way downwards from both the Brothers. Red eyes facing Icy-Blue ones, and both were the last standing. The Children, unable to keep up with the Brothers, decided to be the spectacle of the game. Though few of them had small bruises. A way when facing an oncoming ball from a Primarch.

The round started, one ball being thrown with Immense speed at the opponent. Catching It was no easy task for both Primarchs, and None backed down. Throw, caught, throw again, caught again. Sweat was pouring down, and for a split second one would stumble at their throw.

Perturabo's eyes were aimed at his Brother's leg, and that's where he saw his opportunity. Vulkan threw but he stumbled, and his Brother caught. In one shift move, Perturabo aimed at his Brother's leg and threw the ball. The ball hit Its target, and the target fell.

The kids from Perturabo's team cheered as they ran towards him, and Perturabo laughed. For the longest time he hadn't laughed since the day of Calliphone's disappearance. That brought him a small sense of joy.

Vulkan laid to the ground, a smile on his face at seeing how his brother was having fun. As he rose, he made his way towards him.

"You won Brother, I congratulate you" Vulkan said with a playful smile "But next time, I shall be the winner".

Perturabo returned the smile "That we shall see, Brother".

Unaware for both of them however, the Sun started to set under the tall buildings they were under. A sign that It was time to leave.

Perturabo turned to look at his Brother "Come, It's time to return home". Vulkan nodded as he quickly looked at the kids.

"It was a fun time Children, we shall try to come again and play with you" He clapped his hands "But for now, It's time for you to head home".

With that the Children said their goodbyes, and their thanks to their newest of giant friends, and as they scattered bit by bit. The clearing became even more empty than before, and as they left. Perturabo, noticed one of the kids standing alone In the middle of the floor.

He recognized the kid. It was the little mortal girl that asked him to play with them.

"Ready Brother!" Vulkan asked, he got no response "Brother?".

Perturabo's gaze was focused on the little girl. Her eyes fell to the floor, her arms trembled every time the wind picked up, her palms were white, and her feet bare.

"What are you waiting for, Little One?" The voice she heard must have frightened her, as she jumped up and stumbled back. Perturabo stood In front of her.

She shook her head "Nothing" She whispered.

"Are you waiting for your family?".

Again she shook her head.

"Is someone coming to pick you up?"

Again.

"Do you have a home?".

Again.

"Friends? Brothers and Sisters?"

Again.

Perturabo was astonished, how could a little kid survive In a City where danger lurked everywhere. All of the sudden, something heavy was being pressed on his chest. The Necklace.

...

"Little one" He called out, she shook as she barely met his gaze.

"What Is your name?" He asked.

"V-Valeria" He smiled as he extended his hand.

"Come, Valeria. It's time to go Home".

Little Valeria didn't know what that meant, but she shyly had taken his hand. The Primarch turned to look at his Brother, Vulkan smiled and nodded with approval.

"Let's go" He said, as all three of them started making their way back to the Palace. On the way, Perturabo heard.

"You're Hearts are In the Right Place, Brother" Vulkan said, a small compliment that he kindly took.


Their path on the way back was a clumsy one. Both Primarchs knew how to navigate through the hidden passageways, but not a little mortal girl. As such Little Valeria was placed at Perturabo's shoulder's, which she enthusiastically took to heart as she was now the tallest.

As they made their way out of the tunnel, they entered a garden, one of many that are located at the Imperial Palace. Vulkan closed the door from behind them, and as they walked silently towards the other side. A voice spoke.

"Welcome back"

They stopped In their tracks, Both Brothers recognized the owner of that voice. The voice was gentle on the outside, but firm, and stern on the inside, and a familiar hint of sarcasm was mixed with It.

Both Primarchs turned simultaneously at the new figure, and both said "Brother".

Sitting on a bench was their ever perfect Brother. Long Golden Hair, Eyes of the color of Yellow/Black, though easily changed depending on his mood. Two White angelic Wings, and Cream skin. The Perfect son.

"Sanguinius" Both Vulkan and Perturabo muttered, Valeria was stunned at the figure In front of her "Angel" She whispered.

Sanguinius approached them.

"What's this, aren't you glad to see me Brothers?" Both Primarchs rolled their eyes.

"We are Brother" Said Vulkan "Though we are quite surprised to see you here".

This Time It was the Angel's turn to roll his eyes.

"Please Brother, I am no fool. I know you venture into the City without Father's permission".

Vulkan scratched his head, awkwardly.

"It was my fault" Perturabo said "I should have stopped him from doing It".

"No Perturabo" Sanguinius said "You tried, but you failed to bring him back. If Father finds out, I had no part In this, do you hear me" The Angels voice was stern.

Both Primarchs nodded, one shyly the other hesitenly.

A long breath escaped the Angel's mouth "At least you're back, and you have brought company I see".

Perturabo had forgotten that on his shoulders Valeria was still there. He grabbed her, and put her gently down, while In the meantime. She hadn't taken her eyes off from Sanguinius since they had arrived. The Angel kneeled to the ground with a bright smile on his face.

"What It Is your name, Little One?" He asked.

"Valeria".

"Valeria" The Angel repeated "A Beautiful Name".

She Blushed as she didn't know how to react to It. Sanguinius chuckled.

"We should find you a warm bed, warm clothes, and a warm dinner for you to eat. Does that sound good?".

She shiftly nodded, and to approve that point. Her stomach roared.

Surprisingly enough all three Primarchs laughed at the display, and Little Valeria couldn't help but blush even more.


On a Balcony far to the top of a tower. Stood three figures, the one In the middle was the tallest. Wearing golden armor, golden claws, a golden olive crown on top of his head,Dark Hair, and Black eyes. The one on his right was the second tallest,bald head, wearing golden armor as well, and holding a Guardian spear. The last person on the left was the shortest. A slender man wearing a robe that covered all his body, except his mouth, and nose. He holded a staff, with chains around It, and on the top. A golden eagle on Fire.

All Three of them were looking down at the scene. Watching the Three Primarchs, and a Mortal Girl Interact with one another.

The one on the right spoke first.

"Will you punish them for disobeying you My Lord?" The Man's voice was hard but calm. Behind It the years of experience of warfare, and battle was easily shown.

"Don't be absurd Valdor" Said the robed man, his voice calm "They are still children on the Inside, and It Is only logical for them to disobey their Father from time to time".

"If they don't learn Discipline how are they going to be able to lead an army?" Said the Captain-General.

"They will learn, even though time Is short. They shall learn" Said the Sigillite.

"Time Is on the essence, we don't know the future, and we are already meddling with fate here. If we don't get prepared for what's coming now, we will never be In the future.

"The Fates…".

Silence fell as both turned to look at the tall figure who finally spoke.

"My Lord?" Both Valdor and the Sigillite said.

The Emperor turned to look at them.

"They will learn, but they shall learn from themselves. I have taught them everything I could, and one day. They shall stand to themselves, fend for themselves, and defeat whatever lies In the dark corners of the Galaxy. Our purpose Is to make It a Better and Safer Place. They are my Sons, and they will Succeed".

A/N

Another Chapter done, I hope you guys liked It. Also Because of the start of semester In my College, I'll have difficulty on updating soon, so I'll see what I can do to with the updates. Btw the hall eye color thing about the Primarchs, and the Emperor were a bit blurry for me. So I had them like that In this Chapter, also I apologize for not having the reviews shown from the previous chapter. I am terribly sorry.

Lastly If you liked this chapter, please don't hesitate to review.

Reviews

Ace of Hate: Hehehehe Neither did I.

Guest: We shall see.

WordBearer01: Thank you!

Guest: All Planned ;)

Guest: They aren't, definitely. But we shall see, still have a long way to go.

Guest: IRON WITHIN! IRON WITHOUT!

Morbidly-A-Beast: Have I? Hmhmm~ Well we shall see. because what I said Is not even close to ⅓ . What I am doing in this story Is bigger, but I'll leave It like that.

Mortarion The Death Lord: Exactly! Thank youuu!

Fuckheadmcretard: Thank you!