Warhammer 40K and Akame Ga Kill belong to their respective owners.
[X]
I have been blocked, not because I have writer block, but because it's too damn hard to not abandon this story and start new ones I have in my mind. Just a few hours I have considered a story with Overlord and Hunter X Hunter. HXH is such interesting world where power doesn't mean you are invincible, perfect to adapt to Overlord and some of his wanks. But still preparing an interesting scenario with Nazarick and their move in HxH world. The main problem is the bloody hiatus Togashi is so known for.
So many new ideas I have and would be amazing if I had some Beta to help too on the ongoing ones. If you are interested send a message to anderelamaro .
[X]
The Sanctum was quiet as ever. Its walls always guarding its silence. Many times this place had served for its masters, for debate, for conference, for reunions… and this time it was not different. It would be used again as always has been.
"…Thirteen days shall be enough." The deep voice of Dravastis Fane echoed in the hall. His gauntleted fist signaled at the map and with a fist boomed his words. "Thirteen days and we will have this land! We shall take their main cities and make them our bulwarks on the fifth day and from these we will launch our attacks upon this Wakoku."
As true as his kindred. Such a son of Dorn. Others would have appraised this strategy. However, Imperial Fists were not the only there.
"That will be a waste of resources." A harvester prime declared. "These are mere mortals, we don't need to hold fortress when these savages couldn't even break through the Guard. We shall use our main strength; we can deploy faster than anyone on this world. A swift attacks makes the winner. Don't stop moving, until we devour the last of their leaders."
Mariscal Hectorus Bretch spoke finally. "This place… Reika… Tames this megafauna. We still haven't measured their worth, but stories talk about beasts as big as mountains. We could need Titans." There was his pragmatism again. A Black Templar, a Mariscal in charge of a fraction of a dispersed crusade. An armored finger touched the holosphere marking a group of these islands.
There was a binaric chant, a tone of disgust and frivolity. An adept of Mechanicus. His Mechadendrites move erratic denoting his wrath. Finally, he settles, still among static and Lingua Technis. "It's a waste of resources!" Thought mechanical, his voice carries anger. "Princeps Meidas is not needed for this task. Deploying Dawn Centurion would cost much more than deploying the regiments. The forces of this nation should be more than enough."
"Is deploying a Reaver that much costly?" Hectorus taunted, this just was rewarded with more anger in the form of Lingua Technis. They couldn't demand too much from the Adepts of Lucius. Half their resources, ammunition and weaponry already covered by their manofactorums hidden among the Mountains. Their treaty already holding their places among them, only a fool would dare break the oath with Mars.
"Yet, there is this matter of these assassins running amok this city." Fane signaled. "This Revolutionary Army… this Night Raid."
There was an issue in this city. An issue the leaders of this miserable nation had not been able to quell. Was it corruption? Was it mediocrity? Was it simple whim? Maybe all of them. This city was dying, would be just natural to find betrayers, idealists, fools incapable of accepting their fates.
"They do not look like cultists." The Black Templar spoke. "At least not like any we have seen. They are driven by the ideals of equality, democracy. Yet they lack the real numbers to achieve so. That is why they use assassins to decimate the numbers of their enemies."
"Destroy Night Raid. That shall be priority." Fane declared.
Kainu struck his fist against his breastplate. The bones over his armour reverberating. "I shall attend this task." His tone was eager, it was not unknown for this Harvester Prime to yearn for new relics. It would be obvious.
"Still, it would be easier to take on those plotting against the government. Not Night Raid."
"What a are you suggesting, Mariscal?" Questioned Kainu at the words of the Black Templar.
"A bait. They are still warriors, they have pride. Use that and you will find your prey."
The harvester prime didn't raise his voice. His mind considering the words of his cousin. Bait was a tactic used typically by the Carcharodons.
"Maybe, this female General can offer us a bait to use."
"What could a mere mortal do, Dravastis? You saying us Carcharodons are unable to plan our own hunt!?"
"And can you offer which will be the bait for this hunt of yours? Neither of us have gathered all the details, when you set a trap you have to know every aspect of your prey. Otherwise it will turn useless. As a member of your chapter you should know that, Kainu!"
The harvester grabbed the hilt of his combat knife. Yet the other two Astartes showed movement too, their muscles tensing and their hands ready to go for their weapons such necessity should arise. The air was heavy, the tension there would have cowered a lesser human. Even so, the Carcharodon let his hand go off the knife and walked away, leaving the other two still discussing their plan.
[X]
Chouri had seen better days on this land.
He looked through the window of the car as they passed an old and poor farm. He looked in sadness as the people working there, famished and starving. Life was hard here in the cold, but the recession in the Empire had destroyed their way of living. This town soon would die and crumble away with its citizen, it was just a matter of time.
He cared for its people, the people of the Empire. How things had turned out like this? In what moment had that devil taken the power and let his greed and lust take over the nation? Many times he had convinced himself he had to do something and change this nation.
"Hmm? What are you looking at, father?" Asked the girl, his dear daughter at his side. He changed her face as he turned to her, he hated to see her sad. She still had much to live for. She still had to find a husband, marry and bear children. He could dream with nieces running around his house. Such times he hoped to see some day.
"Nothing, my dear daughter. Just the fields as these are still able to provide food even on this frozen land." He tried to lie, his daughter would start again in a speech against the government. She was still young, naïve. She still had to learn political was a merciless war and hidden ears could hear them.
"Right? It's amazing how these people can work so hard and get the fruits of their labor! Father, you should help them making a law to provide them with better conditions and technology so they can produce faster and bigger!"
Such optimism, he almost wanted to have some of that. But truth was harsh, politics on this age was a merciless war. He could barely recall the number of attempt of assassination on his persona. He would have protested against carrying bodyguards, a retinue could make the people afraid, he wanted equality. Yet they were necessary, his daughter being an example of this, her spear having warden him so many times.
Such defenses would be tested this day, for to him struck like a thunder a sound making his ears numb. Then another came just half a second later, the tumbril coming to an abrupt end after a wet blast was heard outside.
His daughter went outside, her spear in hand. He wanted to tell her to wait, to don't fall on her reckless. Yet it was too late, so he dared to look outside.
What he looked was a scene of chaos. The horses carrying the cart were dead, blown into pieces, viscera hanging from the wood of their transport. His guards were screaming orders, firing constantly at the side of the road. He noticed something there, a figure tall and grey, he looked in astonishment as this armored figure walked at them, impervious of the dozen of bullets being fired at him, bouncing back like pebbles.
The armoured figure raised his hand, in this was a weapon, a handgun of considerable size, so big even thought it was a handgun a man would have to use all his force to carry it and fire it. Yet this man, this giant, moved it with cold quickness. He heard the same thunder strike again as a projectile was fired from the hand cannon. He saw how his guards were broken into a blast, four of his fifteen guards had been killed with a single shot, their tight formation being their doom.
The giant fired again, not even bothering to move his head and another bolt escaped from his gun. Another two of his guard were blown into pieces, their bodies destroyed by unforgiving explosion. Half of the guards left screamed in terror and abandoned their weapons to run for their lifes. Such acts of cowardy being punished by rapid fire rounds, five consecutive thunders were heard and the pulverized remnants of the fleeing ones fell to the ground.
The giant was half a dozen meters away from them. He was still walking, it was then that Chouri's eyes went wide, as something so big, impossible to his eyes, had moved with such dexterity and speed only the most elite of the imperial army could even rival. It had been like a blur, like a shadow appearing from one side to another.
And with such swiftness a sword was drawn from the giant. A crackling bluish field covering it, for a moment he believed this being magic. Such an effect so advanced technology for the eyes of the unknown.
The blade, as fast as a whip, sliced in half the remaining guard. Spear looked in paralyzed fascination as this giant had so casually killed professional warriors. Her weapon feeling too heavy on her hands…
The girl stood in front of her father, facing the giant who was now looking down at both of them. She felt the gaze of that thing, transhuman dread beginning to coat on her being. However, still, her weapon grabbed in an iron grasp, she tried to gather courage, to find willpower against this giant, this monster.
He was now close, two meters close to them. Now they could appreciate the details on his armour, a massive and tick armour. How could something like this move so fast? His armorplates were grey, almost the color of steel, the immense pauldrons were black, adorned with bones and strange spoils. His sword hung in his right hand, he moved his left, wanting to reach for him.
Spear moved first, her weapon spinning with expertise in her hands. She adjusted her grip and launched an attack. This one, which had taken down so many assassins sent to kill his father.
However, it had been completely shattered by the grey giant.
A hand moved, a blur barely visible by her, destroyed the blade at the point of her weapon. A gauntleted came next, grabbing by her neck. The Astartes barely applied some force on his hand, but for the girl she was being strangled in an iron grip.
"Let her go!" Cried her father. "I will do whatever you want, just let her go!"
The giant looked at him, his baleful glare phasing through his skin, like fire soaring flesh. The Astartes then threw his daughter away, her body slamming against the ground, bones broken, muscles mauled, yet still breathing.
"You shall be taken." The Astartes spoke in cold deep voice, his eyes never stopping the glaring.
"W-What do you-!?" He was not able to speak anymore. A finger, it was all the force necessary to bring him down. Soon he felt into unconsciousness, still wondering of both of their fates.
"Ah! That was quite something! Rumors didn't disappoint." A voice came from the other side of the road, three horses carrying three men. Each one of them in a uniform of black as night.
The Three Beasts, at least that is how they had been baptized. The elite of the infamous general Esdeath. As a space marine he could barely bother to learn their title. They were powerful among mortals, carrying Relics as a show of their status.
Oku didn't bother to talk to these unworthy. For him they were but mere mortals, each one as fragile as humans could be, at least that was his judgement.
One of them closed, a knife already on his hand, he played with it spinning it and moving it from one place to the other. The ornamental edge carrying many years of violent death. The youngest of them, an androgynous boy crunched next to the fallen girl, fear in her eyes materialized at seeing the metal close to her eyes. "Such a beauty! To think you could carry such pretty face fills me with excitement! It is worthless to keep it, don't you think? You will be dead anyways, so I will just take it."
He would start cutting her skin, the knife harvesting her face as he usually did with his prisoners. She cried for help, her tears falling as she begged for a mercy that would be not given. Her bladder lost control, but aversion to pain was greater than shame.
However, her savior came from her assaulter. A crepitating power field keeping the knife from caressing her skin. When both looked upside they found the same unforgiving mask of the Astartes.
"She possess value…" Was everything the space marine would say. At least those had been the orders. Orders given by the Harvester Prime. To take the politician would bring a game amongst the aristocracy on this nation, and would give the chapter a useful card to use. Chouri was the card, but his daughter would make him complaint.
The youth watched him in anger, his prize denied by this giant. He would massacre anyone daring to do such thing. But he knew better, he knew the reputation of these warriors came from space.
"Awww don't be sad Nyau, it can't be helped, Lady Esdeath told us to hear him." The tall and broad man spoke, Daidara, that was his name. "You can always have another time." His smile was filled with blood thirst, his hands barely holding from taking the ax on his back, another relic. "But I must admit… I'd loved to have shed blood here, that would raise my level. How about it, big man? Let's have a duel here! I wish to raise my force!"
Oku would have laughed at such claims. This mortal was playing too much with his luck. Did he consider this as a game? He couldn't care less, if he seeks to die then he very much will. He would take the axe too. Another artifact for his chapter.
"Now, now. Let's not be careless. This is not time for yearn blood, but of work. Lady Esdeath has tasked us with this work thus we shall not leave her waiting." Spoke the eldest of that group, Liver. The old ex general of the imperial army.
Oku didn't say a word and retired, he would not tarnish his being carrying these mere weaklings. That would be work for these three. They had reached a pact, and he had done his part of such deal.
Then, the three beast started the next phase of this plan. Dozens, hundreds of pamphlets were throw into the sky, many of these carried by the win. This lot was just part of a greater whole as more and more of these had been delivered. All of them containing the same message. Minister Chouri had been captured by Night Raid and would keep him as hostage until the empire pays a considerable sum of money. With such plot would mark the assassin group as heartless mercenaries and the empire as the bearer of justice.
Of course, this was mere propaganda, fallacy. But truth would take a long walk before delivering to the masses. If the plan success they would have purged the traitors and rebels for the time this would be uncovered.
Oku grabbed a piece of this paper. He let his eidetic memory to save the picts and letters. Thus he would wait for this little trap to attract Night Raid.
[X]
Aragorn Iturbid watched from the carriage as the next public execution was about to take place. There was a decent amount of spectators all of them watching as the executors were preparing. They would fire arrows at them while being tied to a wooden cross. They had already multiple wounds, signal of torture. That could mean they had been interrogated, were they part of the revolutionary army?
His companion ordered the carriage to stop as watching the now ambassador observe with interest this event. "My, my, are you curious, lord Iturbid? They were caught trying to steal information from the palace a week ago. They refused to reveal their identities even with all the tortures. One of them even bitten his tongue off so he could not speak, only these three survived." Honest mussed as he was taking another piece of raw meat.
Inquisitor Iturbid didn't said anything, instead he focused watching this. This would be pretty normal in any imperial world. Heretics would be punished and killed, some times in the open, sometimes into thick walls. His instinct as an inquisitor had acted on him. So he watched as their dead was coming.
Then, one of them raised voice. Was a woman, small in frame, yet her eyes defiant. She called his attention.
"You will not divide us!" She yelled. "We will punish your tyrant empire! We will bring equality on this land so everyone can be free! You will see! The greater go-!" Her claims were stopped as two arrows pierced her lungs. Air escaping from her body, she would be unable to keep with her speech. She would have a painful and slow death. Soon also followed her comrades. Arrows fired, yet not touching vital areas. They would be left like that, letting life scape from their broken existence.
Iturbid's mind accelerated at hearing those last words. Words he would not expect to hear in such a place. He couldn't call this as coincidence. He would have to investigate further into this revolutionary army. They had reached priority at this point.
"Prime minister." He voiced. "Would you be so kind of let me interrogate these rebels?"
Honest stopped his hand from taking another piece of meat. "What do you mean? Why would you bother to deal with such scum who tries to destroy this nation?"
"Mere process and curiosity if you will. As you see, the amount of heretics can be staggering in some places. That is why destroying the root is of absolute necessity. Would you let these barbarians to destroy an ally?"
Honest stared at the ambassador, weighting the consequences of such words. "Well, I guess you can. They are scum anyway, so you can proceed as you want."
The prime minister ordered the driver to continue, it was getting late for the dinner in honor to General Esdeath and her victory over the North. Although she had not asked for it, neither had really wanted to, it was still a celebration on her honor. Not just that but many officers of the imperial guard and a few Astartes would attend as well. This would also would be used for nobles to boost their ranks in front of their outerworld counterparts.
The carriage started to move again. The people were already leaving, the corpses would be left there all day. "Must admit, Ambassador Iturbid…" voiced honest grabbing more meat. "These rebels are getting bolder and bolder-"
His words were silenced when an explosion enveloped the carriage. A splash of plasma erupted around them as the carriage was totally vaporized. The driver could barely scream when his body was instantly melted.
Like ants, people had been agitated. Women screamed, men stared unable to move. In instants chaos engulfed the plaza.
However, among the smoke and ashes, a weak glow radiated. A field of energy formed, and when the dust had been settled a figure remained.
Aragorn watched behind the refractor field, a deep and cold glare hiding his internal rage. He knew, he had seen this kind of weapon before. Not a human made, but one in Xeno origin.
He scanned the roofs, he looked at the walls and windows. Even if he was a Psyker he was not trained in divination.
Behind him Honest was cowering, stunned and shocked by the sudden attack. The refractor field had saved his life but he would be unable to move. That annoyed Aragorn, that first blast was just the start.
Three figures appeared from the alley, they were human, yet, the weapons they carried were not. The inquisitor had confirmed his doubts. They were carrying Tau pulse rifles. Where had they got them? Was his first thought, but this was replaced as the fact the Tau was on this world was true.
He drew his boltgun and fired. "Die Honest!" One of them voicing, the first victim, a woman yelling insults, was destroyed as her torso was blasted into pieces.
This would have demoralized the other two. Yet they still carried, their weapons firing and impacting at his refractor field. He praised the God-Emperor for this and fired again. The head of the rebel burst into pieces, blood and bones flying and his body falling limp.
The last one finally had noticed his error. But it was too late now, his legs gone by the mass-reactive rounds. Pain enveloped him, and terror grown on his mind.
After confirming there would be no more enemies he turned to the prime minister. He was still unconscious. Imperial police were already arriving, be by orders or by force, chaos was soon silenced.
One of the police closed to the still alive rebel, his hammer ready to split his head. Aragorn stopped him, this was his prisoner now.
Pain had paralyzed the man, his visage full of fear at seeing the eyes of the inquisitor. He tried to reach for a knife, but was stopped with a strong quick.
"These are some interesting guns." Aragorn said. "You and me have a lot to talk about and you will answer every question."
The rebel nodded in despair, his pain and fear making him docile. Aragorn noticed the emblem of the revolution army a black and purple cross on a red bandana. But there was something more, a small, handmade emblem on his shoulder. One he knew very well.
"I would take you to a more… adequate place. But I need to get some straight info first. Where did you get this?"
"O-our commander! Our commander gave them to us. He, he said these had been a gift, but he told us nothing more, I swear!"
Aragorn stared into his eyes, all he could find was a useful idiot to be discharged at the end. He would kill this heretic if he couldn't get more info from him.
A thunderstorm was heard, this made all civilians remaining to leave the plaza. Even imperial police was frightened by this, they had heard something like this before.
And then they came.
Five black armored giants wielding visceral serrated swords and giant pistols. The engines behind their back still roaring, ready to jump again. Their white cross in both of their shoulders signaled them, Black Templars.
Their stances unequal, their skills beyond human. The imperial police could just stare in awe as these demigods taking positions. Mortals staring at heroes of legends.
Another group arrived, a Taurox reaching to him and stopping a few meters away. Ten tempestus scions released from its insides, marching in perfect discipline they lasted but a few seconds to form a perimeter around the scene. One of them, a medicae, ran searching for Honest. Even if his wounds were not serious, they could not let an important asset to be left in danger.
Kneeling in front of the inquisitor, a mourning apprentice was begging for forgiveness. Her head low and her voice in tribulation for not being at her master's side.
"Be at ease, Gina. Your mission is still important; it was my fault to let my guard down. Be quiet and calm, for I'm still alive." Iturbid said thus, holstering his boltgun back. "Your task, was successful?"
"Yes, my lord!" She exclaimed and called a serf carrying a plate with an object on this. There was a scroll, the red wax molding the Adeptus Terra seal. They had finally answered.
"We lost three astropaths but we managed to reach contact, milord. They are coming."
"Excellent, how much time?"
"Between sixty-five and ninety-four days."
"Make haste then. Go and bring me this prisoner, this heretic. Go and interrogate him, take all info, doesn't matter if you break every one of his bones."
"It will be done, my lord." Said Gina, a deep bright in her eyes. She was staring at the prisoner, the rebel. This scum had dared to attack her master.
[X]
Najenda had reunited her team again, this was a new mission. One rather personal on itself. The cigar pack was half empty again.
"Why do this? Why kill innocents to use as a bait?" A young member mentioned as he read the paper again.
Minister Chouri with his daughter were now prisoners. Their guards murdered brutally, and the village they had visited totally slaughtered.
And they had thrown all the guilt on Night Raid.
It was not this fact what had angered Tatsumi, but how the empire had mercilessly massacred hundreds just to lure Night Raid.
"Don't be surprised by this, Tatsumi." Najenda stated. "The empire is brutally cunning; they will do everything on their power to achieve control over the people. They have killed four officers and sixty-four high caliber guards. This trick is not new, but we have no option." Indeed. They had been trapped, for the paper was saying how Night Raid would kill the officers and nobles at the imperial ship in one of the canals. Worse of all these politicians were all against the actual empire so they had to act and protect them from their executioners.
The perfect luring.
"If we don't act we will lose support from the people and thus the revolution could be impossible. And if they lose faith in the revolution…"
"Answer: They will seek for the Imperium of Man." Finished Lina-Rho.
She was right. The imperium had come and had started rooting on this world. At the start, many had seen them with contempt, afraid of their presence and unknown to their agenda. But that was changing, at a worrying speed. The Imperium was superior in technology and power, willing so, they could conquest this nation, no, this entire world.
But with a broken heart and a feeling of betray the people of this nation could end looking for help from these so called 'benefactors'.
The ones who had killed Sheele and Mine.
Considering such actions could only mean one thing. That both empires had formed an alliance and could not be taken as a neutral side. However, it was still unlikely the space born imperials would subject themselves to the willing of Honest. There had to be a plot, one she had no idea of what was about.
More than once they had tried to spy on these outerworlders. But their defensive and vigilance systems where on another level. Only the Imperial Guard was laxative enough to don't bother in such levels of weariness. And even so, they had learned a relatively small amount of relevant info.
If just she had the amount of needed motives she could order a strike on the imperial guard general. However, that would only trigger them into a full hunt on Night Raid and the revolutionary army.
She puffed the rest of her cigar and lighted another. "This time we must act on the offensive. We will show the people we are here to help them. We will protect these nobles and will destroy the plotters who has wronged us!"
"Right! Then where will we go?"
"To the outskirts of the capital. Anchored at the Marina of the grand canal is a massive luxury liner. The Ryuusen."
[X]
Tatsumi could not be able to hide his surprise at seeing the enormous ship. A testament of the past greatness of this empire. It was like a fortress, he could just imagine the amount of work needed to build such majestic ship.
However, he noticed somebody in line with the people waiting to enter into the Ryuusen. He stared in shock as he saw that same man who had made them run from those alleys in the capital. He was also being accompanied by that same woman, she noticed his stare and launched at him furious eyes that made him feel like intense beams that could melt through him.
[X]
Lubbock watched through his magnoculars at the town. They were pretty close yet at enough distance to escape if things got out of handle. The small forest was a perfect spot to watch.
"So it's a relief mission." He voiced. He looked with curiosity as watching the ones who were doing this relief mission. The imperial guard had arrived, they had their strange vehicles able to move without horses, and with them a huge amount of food, medicines, tools and equipment seized to help this town. This town had been conscripted of any men strong enough to carry a weapon, thus leaving only women, children and old people, obviously with so little hands to help in the camp they would suffer great and many would not survive this winter. "Looks like they do care."
There were lines of women and children waiting for sacks of grain, cans of food, thick cloth pieces for winter and even strange looking things they had no idea what would be used to. They could only guess when they saw metal boxes creating fire without using wood.
"How did they got so much meat?" Asked Lubbock at seeing at these 'trucks' filled with pieces of meat being carried by more guardsmen.
"Look closely, those were Danger Beasts." Akame remarked, she had a better eye, especially for meat.
"Not even the officials and good politicians can achieve such wealth." Continued Lubbock. He saw medics checking an elderly woman and a shivering kid. There was a mother crying in happiness giving her thanks to them.
"No, look, Turpem is there, he also brought a lot of grain." She signaled at the blonde man talking with the town's major. "He's always been a good man. But the empire keeps slandering his name even after all he's done for the people."
"He probably is making deal with them. Or they are using him to get some good image. Can't say for sure." A growl escaped from Akame's stomach. Lubbock looked at her, annoyed, still he pulled off one of the 'Slabs' made by Lina-Rho. A piece of high protein meat made from danger beasts. Its flavor was not really the best, but was much better than the 'Corpse Starch' she had planned to do. Akame didn't care and ate the piece of processed meat.
"Do you think they are doing good?" She asked, don't stopping to look at the town.
Lubbock didn't answer this time.
[X]
The major's town had lost count of how many times he had thanked the Lieutenant of the imperial guard.
They had come, delivering aid where no other had even bothered to look into. They had brought food, medicine, expensive warm clothes and even mysterious equipment he had never seen before. Those metal boxes which creates fire would be a bless for the families.
"It's not a problem, good sir." Said the Lieutenant Elysian colonel for the tenth time.
"You have come in a time of great necessity. But I'm still concerned, you are not asking a thing in return. I don't mean to be rude, but things around here aren't as good as your help, the Empire has taken a lot of our men to wage their wars in the west."
A blonde man approached, his smile never leaving his face. "I hope you have everything you need, Mayor. Now I have to go, there is another town needing help."
"You have my deepest thanks, sir. We can't pay you enough!"
"Oh, you can" Say Turpem, he called for a servant who brought him a metal box. For a moment the mayor believed this was a trap, but was relieved at the Imperial guard Lieutenant reassuring his worries.
"This, good mayor." Turpem held a tasty looking fruit on his hands. "Is an apple-peach. A really valuable and exotic good from our friends from space. You see, it's a really delicate thing, if I don't keep it at exactly temperature of eighteen and a half degrees, it will become rotten within minutes. But after a study my team made, we found these lands can grow this fruit without much problem. You can pay for the good will, mayor, even let your town become rich! Isn't that the best deal?"
The mayor studied the fruit, indeed, it was beautiful and looked just as tasty. If the noble was saying the truth, then this may be a great opportunity for his people.
"We accept, good sir." We will make sure to repay your good will.
Turpem smiled and retired back to his cart.
The people at the town couldn't help but consider that: This other empire may be much better than anything else on this country…
[X]
The Ryuusen. A testament of the empire's might. No other nation on this planet would be ever able to build something like this. Three hundred meters long, thirty meters in height. Adorned with gold and richness only the most talented artisans in the entire empire would be able to emulate.
For Aragorn Iturbid this would be a noble's whim. A simple fancy caprice high nobles would dare to get. Sure, only to be discharged once boringness reached their proprietors.
The ship was nice to the view. A nice place to host reunions, after all, wasn't that the reason he was here today? He tasted some of the wine in his cup, a delicacy of this world. The nobles and officers had been talking about the amasec he had offered as a gift, indeed had bewitched them asking him for more, some for more personal matters, others in the tempt of more money.
He looked at the deck, there was the VP, Monack. A prominent noble, loved by the commoners and the future substitute for prime minister. Surely, in this nation, that would make him a tempting target.
He had guards, soldiers watching at all places, this was a careful man, one who had realized the presence of the Imperium as a definitive power over anything on this world. Defy them would be doom, cooperation was the only way. Thus he had accepted the terms of the inquisitor.
That makes him an important man, and a high priority one to safeguard. Himself had placed some assets in case this one was compromised. It was part of the bait, one which would make him win a powerful strike on the revolutionary army.
He noticed a known face on the deck too. A young man dressed in white, his hair fixed in a ponytail. However, this costume was such a joke. Just as the fact 'something' had hit the young man on his head. He inhaled, let the inmaterium touch his eyes, then warpsight was activated. Now he could see, a tall man, near two meters in height. He was armored in that powerful imperial relic named Incursio. Its invisibility skill was now diminishing, soon he would have to change it.
Aragorn looked behind him, there they were, three men standing in silence, each one dressed in black.
"Now… shall we not be going to the party?" He smiled and walked. The Three Beasts following behind him.
[-]
He watched in alert, even as the party was going on he couldn't forget the words of his mentor. The enemy surely would strike, here and soon. Behind him was Monack, guards always watching over him. This party was packed to the brim, beautiful women, exquisite food, excellent music. He could have never imagined this to exist in the capital, yet, a part of him felt grief at remembering his village slowly dying in the unforgiving cold.
Then, he heard it, a melody. It started low, it was beautiful, too beautiful. His head couldn't think anything more than this music. Like a lullaby, his eyes now felt heavy.
But he realized, this was not normal. Something was going on, something only a Teigu would be able to accomplish. He ran, he had to return to the deck, everyone else was already sleep, unconscious and defenseless.
[-]
Aragorn listened, his eyes closed and his hand resting his chin. He smiled at remembering the old melodies of his natal world, Montrey-V, somewhere on the Segmentum Pacificus. The roads, the valleys, the cities of Morlos continent. How much time had it been since he had ever step over the sierras of his world?
The lullaby reached its end, he couldn't help but applause at such act. The player was flattered, one of the Three Beasts. Nyau bowed in thanks to his audience.
"As beautiful as ever." Commented Liver, always calm. "Hope you consider the same, Lord Iturbid."
"Magnificent." He said. "I can only comment a handful of musicians able to perform in such arrangement. Anyone would say such talent comes from that flute, yet as I see that is not the case."
"Indeed, Sir." Nyau smiled. "This Relic works as long as you play it, I merely add some personal touch. I consider they should be able to enjoy some nice music before death."
"It's an interesting gest. However, in my opinion, a traitor and a heretic should suffer the outmost pain to let them atone for their sins." He stood and walked away, his hand waving off. "I must part now, I will leave this on you, don't worry, I have already arranged things. However, make sure Monack is still alive after this."
Both of the Beasts bowed in respect at the man. Esdeath had ordered them to follow his orders, at least for now.
"I kinda want to measure his worth." Said Nyau.
"I don't recommend it."
"Yah, Esdeath-sama orders…"
"No, it's not that." Liver looked at his companion. "I can sense his power… It's different, weird, yet he irradiates danger. I could have killed him right there, yet instinct was screaming to not even think that."
"Eeeh? Is that true?"
"Come then. We must finish this mission Lady Esdeath has tasked us with."
[-]
Tatsumi had escaped from the room and was now on the deck, however, the dulling melody was still there. Hammering at his brain, making him feel weak, defenseless.
The door opened, and a big figure appeared from the debris. It was a man, dressed in black and wielding a giant axe. A wild and unforgiving smile on his face, looking at him as a new prey to feast upon.
"Oh? Seems like somebody is still on their feet. If you'd fallen sleep, I'd leave you alone.
Tatsumi could barely understand, but this was the enemy. "You must be one of the people pretending be Night Raid." He went for his sword, yet he had lost it. However, a sword came tossed at him, he puzzled at it, the man had thrown it at him on purpose.
"And you are the real deal, I guess. Just what I wanted. Here, take your sword."
"What are you pretending?" Tatsumi questioned as he caught the blade.
"Well… You see. I want to gain experience in battle. So I can be the strongest there is!" He grabbed the axe behind him and readied his stance. "Now! Come at me!"
Tatsumi couldn't care less for such a goal. His fury had been accumulating under his skin. He grabbed the hilt of the sword. "Ah, I see… Well, then, would you like to experience…" with force he withdrew the blade, his legs already sending him in a charge against his enemy. Fury in his voice, rage on his blade. He couldn't ever forgive such villains for slaughtering so many innocents. "…A one-way trip to hell?!"
"That is the spirit! Obliterating you will be worth every moment!"
The deck shattered, pieces of wood Flying as the axe destroyed. The man smiled in a maniac grin. Tatsumi had barely noticed such actions, still able to pull back in the last moment. This man was indeed powerful.
"You did well in dodging that under the effects of the music" Deidara praised. "Well, then, how about this?" A jolt escaped from the hilt of his axe, then he divided it in two blades. With a deafening roar he launched one spinning it towards Tatsumi. Such had been the strength in the throw he could barely notice as the blood was spilled, and pain escaping from his belly as this had returned to its wielder.
"So that is your imperial Relic." Tatsumi grabbed his wound, blood escaping.
"That is right. The Twofold cleaver Belvark." The beast declared with pride in his weapon. His hand moved, and again, he would launch it going for Tatsumi. "Not just anyone can wield it!"
However, a thunderous sound was heard, wood and metal exploded in multiple rippling blasts for all of the place. A figure was out from the window, a familiar one Tatsumi noticed as it landed. There he was, Bulat, covered in bruising and panting in excess. His armor heavily damaged, plates ripped and metal cracked. Five holes making small craters around Incursio and Bulat panting from exhaustion. How had he received such a beating? He had seen his feats, he knew how strong he is. Thinking that somebody could leave him in such state elated his mind.
"Bro!" Cried Tatsumi, already moving towards him."
"Stay back, Tatsumi!" However, Bullat roared back at him. He gripped his spear, watching at the broken wall where a window had been.
"Bro, what is going on?"
Not ever for a second Bullat stopped watching at the wall, his eyes clued to the shattered wood. "They are here."
"They?"
"The ones who killed Sheele and Mine. They are in this ship"
Tatsumi was taken aback by this statement. His anger raised as the idea of the one who had killed his companions could be here. His hand pressing with all his strength on the hilt of the sword. However, Lina's words resonated in his head, these were Astartes, demigod warriors. Had Bulat just faced one of them? Incursio was witness of that.
Heavy steps were heard, in a singular sequence that made their hearts shudder. Then they saw him, a giant passing through the hole in the wall. A massive being clad in black and grey. Bones adorned his armor, such as a skull over a golden Aquila. This was an Astartes.
On one hand was a massive sword, its blade sizzling with energy and power. Another hand had a massive pistol, like a cannon no normal human would be able to carry with ease. His red eyes judging them, unforgiving carmine orbs measuring every detail of his prey.
"Night Raid." He said. "You shall be terminated this day. Your sins will be measured on this place." He leaped, the wood wined under such pressure. Bulat gripped his spear, Tatsumi readied his sword.
"Wait!" Called a voice. A silver haired man walked, followed by a smaller blond boy. "I beg your pardon, noble Angel of Death. A word first if you will."
The space marine stared at the aged man, for a moment, it looked like his blade would bisect him in two. But that didn't come, instead, the Carcharodon spoke. "I will allow it."
The old man thanked him with a bow and then directed his ayes at the Incursio user. "That relic, that battle prowess… So it's really you, Bulat."
"It can't be…" Stunned, Bullat lost some of his stand. "General Liver!"
"I'm a general no more." Liver stated. He touched the black cross on his chest. "After Lady Esdeath saved me, I became her servant."
Emotions tried to flow through Bulat mind. The general he had served in the past, the one who the Empire had betrayed was now before him, as an enemy, as an ally of the evil that is the Empire. However, at the end, he had a mission to accomplish. "If we'd ended upon the same side, we could have celebrated our reunion with a drink." His spear danced in his hand, his resolution clear as water. "But since you have resurfaced as my enemy, I must kill you!"
"Bold words for someone so wounded as you, Bulat." Liver claimed. "I've seen what those bolters can do, your armor has protected you from the worst, but I'm sure those explosions have caused your internal organs to bleed. What is more, you are surrounded, we have numerical advantage on you and a noble Astartes on our side! So I will simply ask. Bulat, can I interest you in joining us? With your strength you could rise to a higher officer."
Bulat simple stated, his words already decided from the very start. "I have absolutely no interest to serve the Empire ever again."
"No, not the empire." Liver negated with calm. "Not this one Empire…"
"What do you mean?" His former companion asked.
"Join the greater Imperium of Man! Join a force far vast than this one puny kingdom. An Empire which has surpassed any other conquering the stars! I have seen it, Bulat. Even those officers who betrayed me can tremble in fear against such colossal power! This world will go back to its true owner, the man who truly deserves the title of Emperor of Mankind!" Liver was livid. His Zeal shown in such a manner his gestures leaked intense passion.
"But how can we know they are better than this Empire?" Bulat defied. "We barely know them. Even as they have been here I haven't seen them improve this country! They are just new dictators! If they were that powerful they would have already killer the Prime minister, yet they even allow him to gain more power. They are just as rotten. They don't care for the people!"
"For being an assassin you worry too much for the people." Liver taunted. "This nation is over, even if we try to resist, we have no hope against their power. They could just bomb us to dust, yet, their mercy is so great they let us redeem ourselves. I have already offered my sword, I beg you, Bulat. Your crimes will be forgotten and you will serve a greater purpose."
"I stand for what I believe. I'm sorry but I cannot accept it. Our comrades died for what they believed, I cannot let their will to die and be forgotten."
Tatsumi had been eyeing the Astartes as the conversation had been going. He was huge, far more impressive than Incursio. In his mind he wondered what would someone need to become a warrior like that? Even as he felt it selfish, his mind couldn't help but recognize becoming a warrior like that would have given him the chance to protect those who he cared for.
Yet, something happened, a gunshot, no, a thunder, was heard. In an instant and with that Tatsumi watched as Bulat was hit, an explosion followed, his armor had saved him from taking the shot inside his body. However, it still was enough to see him shudder in pain.
"It's enough!" The Astartes claimed. "It is clear this betrayer won't seek repent. After all, it's coded in his veins, such is the nature of the heretic. So selfish to his own race."
"You are wrong!" Bulat roared. "I fight for the people! For equality and freedom! The citizens suffer under this tyrannical Empire, they are abandoned, they have no one! That is why I'm going to keep fighting for the people!"
The Carcharodon locked his boltgun magnetizing it to his leg, yet his hand still holding his sword, he spoke; "Brave words, for a heretic and a betrayer. But you are wrong. They are not alone anymore, we are here, and we will ensure they will be part under the shadow of the Imperium."
"Your Empire is not different from this one!" Bulat defied him. "You wouldn't dare to stop the Prime Minister, you are even helping that demon! How can I trust an Empire that just feeds the evil!? Better I die than serve your tyranny!"
"So be it…" Oku declared. "You." Directing to the three Beasts who were getting ready to attack. "You will not interfere. This is a duel, as a warrior, I will let him have that honor before dying."
Incursio hissed, vapor escaped from its plates as this disappeared abandoning its wielder. There was now, Bulat exposed against the Carcharodon.
"I see, your armor disappears after receiving enough damage. Such an inconvenience." Liver observed.
"Bro!" Had cried Tatsumi. The situation was dire, four powerful combatants against two of them, three of them using a Relic and one able to beat even a user. He lamented for his weakness, in his heart he was sure, if he were strong enough, they would have avoided this situation, no, even his friends' dead wouldn't have happened.
Yet, Bulat laughed, his smile ever present even as facing dead. "You think you have me corralled? You are so mistaken." He touched his pauldron, and a smoke escaped from his back. Then a sword was materialized, silver and steel, a beautiful design, the chain at the hilt surrounding his arm. "I will take your challenge, Astartes!"
And just with that, like a signal, the Carcharodon moved. And when that happened, Tatsumi could barely believe his eyes.
It was like a blur, a shadow moving from one side to another traveling ten meters in less than a heartbeat. Transhuman dread, how could something so big, something so heavily armored move so fast? His arm striking with such strength he could feel the air being displaced.
It was even more impressive how Bulat had been able to react and parry the attack with enough time. His sword, Incursio, following after the strikes launched with the Astartes' blade. Their blades crossed, such control and power, both of their swords unwavering against each other.
Bulat launched his warcry, his sword moving even faster, even without Incursio, still able to keep against such foe.
However, even with all this skill, even with all this willpower, couldn't prevent the course of action taken at this point.
Bulat was not at his prime, the wounds caused by the bolter had mauled his body, his organs ripped inside by the concussion force, it was even worse having to face a being even stronger than him.
And yet, Bulat noticed, and adapted. An opening here and there, the joints of the Carcharodon Armor. He aimed at them his sword digging in the metal, he had aimed at the sides, under the arm, where his heart should be.
However, even as he had managed to pierce, something had stopped Incursio.
The physiology of a Space Marine is unique. Blessed by their Emperor, their armor not only formidable, but their biology near miracle.
What had stopped the blade was the steel like box of bones guarding his organs a wall of bones even harder than steel itself.
The Carcharodon had let it. Like a predator playing with its prey. He had deliberately permitted such attack. Even when retracted, Incursio was now too late.
And attack that followed another counterattack.
All this time the power blade's machine spirit had been slept, kept away as the adamantite blade had competed against Incursio's Orichalcum. And when the energy of the disruptor field made contact, Incursio cried, metal screamed as this tried to resist. Such was the effect the blade itself relented, no longer obeying its owner.
That alone had leave the decisive moment as Bulat had lost his complete guard.
The power sword returned again, flesh and bone rended asunder as the power field destroyed it at molecular level. It was like cutting water, an unstoppable sword.
"Bro!" Tatsumi cried as his eyes showed him what had happened.
And just like that, Bulat had died. His body teared in half separating him from his legs.
Impotence, sorrow, wrath… a myriad of emotions flowed through Tatsumi as he saw the body of his mentor to give his last breath.
He looked at the Carcharodon, he felt rage, vengeance, but even amongst these, envy. Envy for a power he couldn't be able to reach, even with a Relic, seeing how such a powerful one had been useless against this warrior.
He couldn't stand it, so he gripped the hilt of his sword and charged. Charged against the Space Marine. Roaring with fury and resolution.
He would die here.
There was no escape, he was surrounded. He had no relic and he was no match against the Astartes. So, even if this would bring sadness upon his friends, even if he couldn't keep his promise with Akame. He should not face death as a coward, no, he shall face it as a man and defy its fate.
So he ran, ran with his sword high, ready to strike.
The Carcharodon did nothing except for rise his palm in a signal for the Three Beasts to stop, they obeyed, curious in part for what he planned.
Then the blade reached, connecting with Ceramite and plasteel.
And the sword broke. Snapped, unable to wound its target.
Tatsumi was sent flying, a soft move from the Carcharodon's gauntlet. Even after Tatsumi fell, he still glared at the giant.
"Boy… What is your name?" The Space Marine spoke.
"My name is Tatsumi! You monster!" He growled back. "I will never forgive you for killing him! I will avenge Bro!" He then charged again, he had no weapon anymore, however, his fists punched the ceramite armor, unable to make any dent but still unwilling to back down. The Astartes merely stared at him, contemplating such futile actions, yet brave ones.
"Your wrath… it is palpable. You rage, yet you don't fall into madness and you still keep martial discipline."
"I will ask you, Tatsumi. Will you join us?" Oku questioned at the young who still tried to fight him.
"I will never join the Empire!" He spat with hate. "You killed my friends, you make my town suffer. I prefer death than ally with you bastards!"
Like a whip, a blur almost impossible to follow. The armored hand of the Carcharodon closed around Tatsumi's neck.
"You still believe we are this tiny joke of empire. You are wrong!" Oku snarled with fury. "We are Space Marines, Adeptus Astartes! We are the Angels of Death chosen by the Emperor of Mankind on Holy Terra. We protect his dominion that is this galaxy, we are Humanity's bulwark against terror!" The Carcharodon threw him, Tatsumi fell over his back. "So I will repeat myself. I'm not asking you to join this rock's empire, I'm claiming YOU in the name of the Chapter of the Carcharodons to serve as an aspirant, I'm giving you the honor to become a Space Marine, Tatsumi."
Unable to speak or react, Tatsumi had been taken aback by such words. To become into such a warrior as the one he was fighting, a demi-god not only able to defeat a Relic, but also a chance to achieve power, power that could have helped him to save Ieyasu and Yuki.
However, a lingering thought grabbed his mind; Night Raid, the ones who had embraced him, friends he had made there. If he takes this offer, what would be of them, would he turn into their enemies? Will he have to hunt them?
"What about Night Raid? What about my oaths with them?"
"Why would you make a covenant with heretics?" Oku asked back.
"They won't accept the darkness of this empire." Tatsumi retorted. "And you have said you are not part of this empire. Then why hunt them?"
"Because they have betrayed humanity by standing against us." The Astartes simply voiced, unfeeling and cold. "They could have sworn loyalty to us and we could have sought a path of coexistence as fellow humans. But they have abandoned this option, blinded by their ideals of equality and moral."
Tatsumi didn't like this answer, but he pondered in the reason. Indeed, if they had taken a different approach they could have avoided unnecessary dead. Had their commander been wrong? What could he do to avoid more blood shedding. No, he had an idea now.
"I will accept this honor." Tatsumi Answered the call. "But… I want to avoid more conflict between Night Raid and You. If possible, I wish to talk to them, convince them to stop fighting and accept the Imperium. Will you let me do that?"
Normally, an aspirant would have no right for such words. To become a possible Space Marine was a privilege that even death would be not enough as to offer. And here was, this teen making demands to a Carcharodon.
However, there was something he wouldn't let know to this teen. No other aspirant they had recruited had such potential as this.
He was sure this teen would be able to survive the rituals. His skill with the sword already more than enough to be accepted into the process to become an Adeptus Astartes. They needed more recruits to refill their numbers now more than ever with a divided galaxy and Imperium.
"A meeting can be arranged." Tatsumi smiled at his words. "But, I will not respond for their answers. You can question them, yet that will be our only deal. If they still refuse it will be on them. But you will stay with us."
Tatsumi watched him in silence, for long minutes she stood there, thinking, balancing the options. But then he nodded.
"Then I will accept. I will become a warrior such like you."
In that moment a sound was heard. A Stormraven descended, from its insides appeared three Space Marines with similar armor. They didn't talk, they just closed to Bulat and retrieved the sword, Incursio, and retired to their gunship.
Oku walked behind them, back to the Stormraven. He didn't bother to speak again to Tatsumi.
This last followed and entered the Stormraven.
[X]
I honestly feel bad for killing so many characters. But 40k is not a merciful thing. I wanted to work with some ideologies and very little references as experiment and help me with writing skill, if I wanted to reach a level would be one like the story: Remnants of Remnant. Read it, the lyric and narration is just beautiful. Also wanted it to help me write my own original story, which I don't know where to post it.
I hope to don't find some power scalers here, I had some issues with Bulat here for, while he is strong and probably can fight an Astartes head on, this also lacks decades of experience, a better technology and the scenario was just too dire fighting a Space Marine sergeant with a bolter and a power sword. I have also some issues with Incursio, the thing is just 20% armor and 80% cloth, it was like a power ranger.
Tatsumi taking the Astartes pill is part for the plot. He can try the procedure since he is quite young and you could say he covers the requisites for a neophyte.
Next will be on the Jaegers and some new members for them.
Thanks for reading and even more thanks for a review.