Chapter III: In Your Heart Shall Burn
Zygerria had changed in the days following the successful invasion by the Word Bearers Traitor Legion. Many of the Dark Apostles went about spreading the faith of Chaos Undivided upon not just the Zygerrian populace who were not rounded up and sacrificed but also to those who had been forced into slavery.
"Fear not the whips of your oppressor's children of the lost!" The Apostle yelled. "We are liberators, soon the Warmaster shall lead us all into a glorious new age! He like you was a slave but he has been blessed by the Dark Gods to lead us all to a new age of enlightenment and glory praise the Warmaster! Praise The Dark Gods!"
Many in the crowd both Zygerrian and former slaves all stood either in silence or mumbled to each other. Others, however, welcomed the change some even believing if a slave could become something great then they too could and some began to yell and chant "Praise The Dark Gods!" And others shouting "For The Warmaster!" Above the streets, in the palace, Orius looked out to the peoples below.
Orius was adorned in form-fitting black garb with the writing of the Word Bearers upon it and at the center a finely crafted star of Chaos Undivided upon his chest. His hair was combed back and he appeared fully cleaned up and well-fed in comparison to how he had been treated before being freed.
The sound of shackles could be heard as he turned and saw Queen Scintel chained in his room a gift from the Word Bearers to him and to show he was the one who now held the chains now as he was the master to all before him.
"You think my people will ever allow a slave to lead them?" Scintel's eyes were like coals staring into Orius's. "You are nothing, and just because these fanatics put you in a place of power you won't hold it for long."
Orius said nothing as he walked toward a holo map of the city and pulled up slave centers across the planet of Zygerria. His eyes had stayed fixed on the map as the former queen continued to spew insults and demands at him while all he could think of was Kera. Orius's eyes closed thinking back, the scent of spring a field of tall grass beneath his hands as laughter could be heard.
"Orius come on heh!" Kera's voice echoed in his mind. "We are gonna miss seeing the moons rise, hurry up haha."
"I'm coming Kera wait up." Orius's voice spoke much softer and than how he sounded now. "I'm not fast like you."
"Than maybe you'll learn something slowpoke heh."
Both Kera and Orius climbed one of the highest trees in their village as nightfall got closer. As the moons rose high above the sky, both looked on in awe and wonder at the sight before them. Kera's hand wrapped gently around Orius's, his face grew a bit red yet she couldn't see it but she knew as his hand wrapped a bit tighter around her own which made her head turn to his a smile bright even in the darkness.
"Orius." Kera's tone was low and soft as she grew closer. "Do you think we will see more of the galaxy?"
"W-Why do you ask?" Orius's eyes looked into hers.
"Will you promise me something?" Her tone still low yet her hand grew tighter and more tied to his own. "Anything," Orius stated as he kept his hand tight with her own.
"T-That you'll never let me be without you." Kera's eyes stayed focused on Orius's. "Let me be with you..always."
"Kera.." Orius couldn't form any words as he was cut off as Kera pressed her lips against his own. Kera's lips tasted sweet like honey as both kept the kiss going both unable to let the other go.
Yet as it continued Orius could hear her voice even still and the last words she said to him as his memory of that moment faded. "Never leave me Orius...Let me stay beside you always forever."
Orius's eyes opened and for the first time since he could remember he felt something cool and wet drip down his eye as he touched it, he saw a single tear fall as he wiped it away, looking to Queen Scintel his fist grew tighter and he remembers the reason for why he was here.
Why he and Kera were in this situation as he remembered the shooting, the screaming, and laughing Zygerrians as they took what they wanted from his home. They either killed or captured those who resisted and others they took into homes and violated without relent, Orius's anger and hatred was still as bright as it was on that day.
Yet as he approached the queen his hand untensed and he rubbed his eyes before taking a seat opposite of the former queen as his mouth opened to speak.
"Where is my friend Kera." Orius's eyes burned with hatred looking into the queens as both simply looked upon the other.
/Coruscant/ Jedi Temple
The Jedi Council had all gathered a rare sight since the beginning of the Clone Wars, yet the matter in which all members were needed was a troubling one. Grandmaster Yoda alongside many others felt the disturbances in the force to many it felt something unknown yet resembled the Dark Side to some extent yet more intense and almost sickening.
Yet this wasn't the only matter brought before the Jedi Council as recently a Zygerrian ship had arrived at Coruscant yet aboard were a dozen slaves who fled telling panicked stories.
They spoke of invaders who appeared from the storm over Zygerria, how they brought forth strange beasts of war and machines of flesh and blood and how they stood over a normal human or alien tripled their own size.
The Jedi Council listened to this story presented to them by the slaves who escaped, Masters Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda, Mace Windu, and Plo-Koon all took this with great interest.
Mostly due to the fact Zygerria hadn't had much mention or talks since the Jedi destroyed their slave empire during the Old Republic era a thousand years ago.
"What we witnessed..the brutality and the strange machine-like robed figures all of it seemed like a nightmare." The former slave continued. "We wouldn't have escaped if not for one of our own using himself as a diversion to allow us to escape."
"Thank you for telling us this," Windu said. "We will look into this matter."
"Thank you, Jedi." The slave's eyes held great fear and worry. "Please save our friends." The hologram ended as the Jedi looked to each other.
"Master Yoda what do you sense." Windu looked to the grandmaster as he wished for his opinion on the matter. "Do you sense anything at all?"
"Hmm, darkness," Yoda stated. "Emotions of..anger, pride, pain, a whirlwind something not of the Dark Side." Yoda rubbed his head as his eyes looked down as he thought.
"Investigating this matter will take time," Plo-Koon stated. "This matter will more than likely reach Chancellor Palpatine's ears."
"Indeed, nothing escapes the chancellor's sight or ears," Obi-Wan said. "Yet Zygerria hasn't made much noise since the war began. And the matter of this fleet arriving over the planet and the way the former slaves described these invaders."
"Unknowns, Master Kenobi," Yoda stated. "All unknowns as the Dark Side has clouded our vision."
"Than who should we send to investigate the matter?" Master Unduli asked.
"Master Kenobi." Yoda looked to Obi-Wan and gave a gesture with his hand. "Perhaps you and young Skywalker can handle such a matter yes?"
"Of course Master Yoda." Obi-Wan nodded. "Anakin is due for some time away from the frontlines I believe. Perhaps a mystery would be a nice change of pace."
"Maybe, I hope Skywalker takes this matter seriously," Windu stated.
"Of course Master Windu." Obi-Wan gave a nod as he left the Council Chamber to meet with Anakin.
In one of the many training rooms of the Jedi Temple, Anakin trained several younglings on the lessons of deflecting blaster fire. Doing it in a one-two motion as each shot was deflected away in a different direction, Obi-Wan watched from the corner a small smile present as he watched him train the younglings in his own way as he could see the bravado still present.
"Now remember these lessons," Anakin stated his smile present as the students listened on. "These lessons are not just for your protection but also for the people we serve to protect in the galaxy. Dismissed."
"Thank you Master Skywalker." The students said in unison as they all walked out to other lessons.
"I see you are having fun teaching the next generation a few of your own lessons?" Obi-Wan smirked. "I take it teaching Ahsoka how to be like you wasn't enough."
"Oh come on master it's just training and teaching that's all heh." Anakin smiled as he made his way to Obi-Wan.
"Oh, that's good to know," Obi-Wan stated. "The last thing we need is others being reckless like you my former padawan."
"Oh come on I'm not that reckless." Anakin saw Obi-Wan give him a look and he realized. "Well anymore heh."
Obi-Wan rolled his eyes and knew Anakin all too well with that tone. "Anakin besides that the Council has a mission we must undertake at once."
"Where to?" He asked as he joked. "I hope its a long vacation away from the frontlines this time."
"The Council wishes for us to head to Zygerria.." Obi-Wan knew how Anakin felt about the matter already as his former padawans face shifted slightly into a hint of disgust. "Why are we going there?" he asked.
"Several slaves escaped Zygerria," Obi-Wan stated. "It appears they have come under an invasion of some kind."
"Separatists?" Anakin asked yet his tone showed he couldn't care about what happened to the Zygerrians.
"No. From what the former slaves said these invaders are not separatists but something else entirely." Obi-Wan stated.
"Why does the Council want us to handle this?" Anakin asked in his mind he couldn't care about what happened to slavers.
"Anakin I know how this is a subject you would rather forget," Obi-Wan stated as he placed a hand on his shoulder. "But there are others on that planet innocent slaves we can help."
Anakin said nothing as he gave a simple nod. "Alright." He said as he followed Obi-Wan from the training room in order to begin this mission from the Jedi Council at once.
/Wild Space/ Planet: Kadavo
Since interrogating Queen Scintel about where Kera was, Orius demanded to be taken to Kadavo which was allowed by the Word Bearers who took Lorgar's Spite and three of their escort vessels to venture to the planet. Aboard Lorgar's Spite, Orius watched as the warp engulfed the vessels and on the other side, he bore witness to the entities that resided within, some popping in and out of reality while others stood around him snarling with crimson eyes.
The Dark Apostle stood at Orius's side and placed a hand upon his shoulder giving a nod of approval.
"Show no fear of the Neverborn." The apostle stated. "They sense your touch from the gods, they would dare not harm you without losing their own place within The Warp."
"I understand." Orius simply said as his fists clenched on the bridge.
"You fear for someone I take?" The apostle asked.
"Yes." Orius looked up toward the apostle. "I fear what might happen to her."
"You must not show weakness Warmaster." The apostle said. "Weakness cannot bring victory for what you can achieve the gods will give you what you desire. But you must prove it to them."
"How can I do what they want, when even I don't know what they want?" Orius asked to which the apostle gave no clear answer as he stood silent.
"Perhaps..you should speak with our cleric on the matters of your worries." The apostle said. "He has always given sage and wise guidance even to us Word Bearers."
"Perhaps you're right," Orius said with a nod. "But I want to get Kera first understood." He looked up to the apostle.
"Of course Warmaster. We shall bring forth all the slaves no harm shall come to them. Yet I take the Zygerrians are open sport for killing or sacrifice?"
"Yes," Orius stated plainly.
"Heh of course Warmaster." The apostle said with a nod.
Soon enough the ships exited The Warp over Kadavo, the sight of the planet to Orius caused him to grip the railing of the vessel tightly. His eyes hardened as he needed to focus at the moment.
Hundreds of Word Bearers quickly descended upon Kadavo the only known point to take was the known slave processing center that Queen Scintel told Orius about. Zygerrians were torn apart and many blasted to pieces by bolters, while others had been captured and begged to be spared which the Word Bearers smirked as they took the prisoners who begged for their lives.
The battle itself was short-lived as the Zygerrians had no true military force and the Word Bearers were quick and decisive in their actions to eliminate the resistance to their take over. A single Chaos Storm Eagle had arrived shortly after with it landing at a secured site, Orius alongside two Word Bearer Terminators flanking him on either side as they departed the ship.
"Warmaster!" A member of the Word Bearers bowed in respect. "We've isolated and captured many of the Zygerrian forces. All either dead or captured, we also managed to capture the head of the facility."
"Good." Orius nodded as he had the soldier rise. "Have you and your brothers freed all the slaves here?"
"Almost my Warmaster. A few of the lower floors remain and soon all will be brought before you to inspect." The Word Bearer stated.
"Good I will go as well I must see for myself."
"Of course Warmaster follow us." The Word Bearer said.
Following alongside his Terminator units he made his way through the facility seeing dead Zygerrians tossed aside while others were brought up to be taken aboard the ships for transport back to Zygerria.
The smell of death was present as they continued on, he saw dead slaves and some who appeared dead from starvation, he allowed the smell to enter his nose as the Dark Apostle stated to never show fear even among his own men whom he commanded.
Going to the deepest levels he walked on as more and more slaves were being released from their shackles. Many reached out to Orius some even bowing as he walked forth toward the last chamber of the lower cells, the smell became unbearable as he grew closer as the door was opened inside several slaves looked on in fear.
Most appeared starved and beaten badly, Orius saw this room held more inside but they weren't moving and he knew they were dead.
A lump formed in his throat as he walked passed them and he saw her, it was Kera her hair was matted and complexion was badly pale and she looked malnourished. Quickly coming to her side picking her up and tilting her head to him, her eyes hesitantly opened as she could barely move.
"O-Orius.." A small smile was visible on Kera's lips as she held his cheek. "I thought I wouldn't see you again."
Orius's eyes stayed fixed on hers as he picked her up. "Just hold on Kera. I'm getting you out of here alright."
Picking her up quickly Orius made his way out from the lower cells and back towards the surface all while the slaves had been escorted out to see the daylight again with assistance from the Word Beaters. Kera's eyes kept focused on Orius's face but he wasn't looking at her at all the whole way back to the surface.
Once to the surface, Orius tried making it to his ship to get help for Kera only to hear her voice to stop as he did he kneeled. Cradling the sickly and ill Kera in his arms allowing her a moment.
"It's nice to see the sun again." Kera's voice was weak as she had her eyes on the sun. "I'm happy you found me Orius."
"I'm sorry I didn't come faster." Orius rubbed her cheek. "Once we get aboard my ship you'll be better in no time I promise."
Kera's hand rubbed Orius's cheek softly as she smiled at him. "Orius..please just give me a moment with you."
"Kera I need to get you out of here." Orius tried to think of something to help her only for her hand to caress her cheek gently. "Kera?"
"I'm... happy I got to see you again." Kera's tone lowered more as her eyes grew heavy. "Orius.. don't forget... I love you. I always will." Kera used what strength she had and kissed Orius deeply.
Orius held her gently in his arms as they both kissed the other once more not letting the other go in this moment as he pulled back, Kera's eyes were closed. The life from her body was no longer there, Orius gently shook her trying to bring her back but nothing worked as he held her tightly.
His eyes watered up till tears poured down his cheeks holding the only person he had left in his life while the freed slaves gathered around and members of the Word Bearers stood silent and some giving prayers in their own dark ways.
Orius looked on toward all the Zygerrians present whom in Orius's mind all had a hand in Kera's. Gently placing her body on the ground he walked over to them all and among them was Keeper Agruss, Orius's eyes grew wide with anger and hatred as he approached Keeper Agruss. The fear in the keeper's eyes was fully present as he held his hands up in fear.
"Have mercy please!" Agruss begged. "We only wanted to bring back our empire we only-" Agruss was cut off as Orius punched him hard in the face sending him to the ground. "Y-You hit me!?"
This was followed by Orius continuing to beat Agruss to near-death blood smearing on Orius's knuckles as he continued to beat in the Zygerrians face as the breaking of bone could be heard. Yet as he did his arm was stopped mid-punch which caused him to look back at a crimson robed priest of chaos stopping him. The priest's face was obscured by his hood as he spoke his tone calm and soothing.
"That is enough Orius. Mourn your loss my child than we must depart at once." The priest said as he walked back toward the transport.
Orius's eyes looked back to the battered and bloodied Agruss his face nearly beaten in and only Orius now just feeling the pulsating pain in his knuckles and hand. Recovering from what he had done he looked on at the Word Bearers as one approached him.
"What of the surviving Zygerrians my Warmaster?" One of the Word Bearers asked.
Looking on at the Zygerrians his gaze hardened. "There are no survivors." He stated as he walked off taking Kera's body with him.
The members of the Word Bearers nodded to each other and chuckled as they drove their blades into the Zygerrians without remorse spilling blood. The slaves, however, were escorted away and put aboard one of the ships to be taken off-world. Departing from the planet and taking Kera's body and along with the slaves they disappeared into The Warp.
Aboard the vessel, Orius sat alone in darkness the constant in and out of Daemons appearing and those of the Dark Mechanicum skulking about made him feel uneasy yet he ignored it as he clenched his hands together.
The sound of footsteps could be heard they were not of one of the Word Bearers, they were soft and almost gentle in their approach as Orius turned he saw it was the same crimson robed figure who spoke with him on Kadavo.
"I said I did not wish to be disturbed," Orius said.
"Sometimes moments of solace can be times of enlightenment." The robed figure said as he sat beside Orius. "Yet this is not such a time. You are grieving and at a loss my child."
"You're not like the others are you?" Orius asked.
"Oh no heh." The robed man stated his chuckle warm and different compared to others of the Word Bearers. "I'm simply a man of faith, the gods saved me in my darkest hour and brought me back."
"Brought you back?" Orius asked.
"Yes.. a long, long time ago." He started as he rubbed his head. "I was a man of faith who sought only to enlighten and bring good to the world. When I was killed I heard their voices, they wanted to help me." The priest's voice was sincere and kind about the gods.
"And what happened? What did they do?" Orius asked.
"At that moment they saw me and my faith not as tragic or fruitless. But as tenacious, honorable, sophisticated, and beautiful. They assured me my life was not wasted and all I had done was not wasted." He stated. "So they saved me and gave me a second chance and now I preach the powers undivided as a singular entity. Chaos is not wholly evil nor benevolent my child."
"But who or what caused you to end up where you are now?" Orius asked as he tried to see the robed priests face.
"Revelation... The revelation happened." He said in a somewhat somber and saddening manner as an alarm rang. "It appears you are needed, my child. We shall continue our conversation later, come by later the midnight service will begin, now go."
Orius gave a simple nod as he left and returned to the bridge once their he saw they had arrived where he wanted to go. It was the planet from where he and Kera we're from Dantooine.
Orius ordered the Word Bearers to remain behind as he didn't want to scare those below but he asked for the crimson robed priest to follow him as he wanted to bury Kera. Lorgar's Spite loomed over a nearby settlement as a lone Storm Eagle flew across the area and landing outside a burned down settlement, this was the former home Orius and Kera.
Kera's body was wrapped tightly and kept clean as Orius carried her and followed closely by the cloaked priest. The entire village from where he and Kera were from was deserted and long abandoned, yet the priest could feel the pain and suffering that occurred here through The Warp though minimal in this place.
Making his way past the village, Orius took Kera's body toward a large tree it was the same one from so long ago where he and Kera shared their first kiss together. Over the next hour he buried Kera and ensured a small grave was placed for her as he finished, the priest walked over placing his hand on Orius's shoulder.
"I.. I wanted to make sure she could rest in a place she would remember." Orius looked up at the cloaked priest.
"I know my child." Holding Orius's shoulder in a sign of comfort. "Death is not the end, Orius the gods watch over you and chose you to bring a new beginning to the galaxy. Loss is apart of change we can't stop it, but you can do better by the woman you loved by leading us."
"I don't know how to do that." Orius looked up to the priest. "I'm not a leader, a warrior, or a king. I'm just a person."
"Exactly." The priest stated as he kneeled beside him. "The gods choose their people wisely you were chosen because you are only a man. It is up to you to make yourself into what you desire, the galaxy requires change it may not all be peaceful to bring about that change as no change comes without sacrifice, my child."
Orius looked on at Kera's grave as he stood in silence remembering everything that had occurred. The moment they were taken, the moments of slavery and seen as lesser people to when she was taken from him once more to the arrival and bowing of the Word Bearers as the Chaos Gods chose him to now at this moment.
"You're right," Orius uttered. "Change cannot come without violence. I lived my whole life hoping someone would come to save us from our bonds, but no one came. I had to free myself and others from it and being chosen by the gods shows I may be but a man who can bring change."
"Yes my child." The priest said patting his shoulder. "What shall you do?"
Standing up and looking to Kera's grave he knew. "The Republic, the Separatists. Everything that has happened is because they refuse to help others, corruption, and stagnation. I won't let this happen I will build something better not just for me but for Kera and others who suffered as we did."
The priest stood beside Orius as he patted his shoulder. "That is the first step, my child. Accept what has happened but never forget what has made you stronger, nor forget those who helped you."
"I.. I won't thank you." Orius nodded offering a small smile in return. "Wait what is your name?"
The priest stopped as he turned to face Orius. "Heh oh yes. I had almost forgotten, as I told you my child I once was a priest. Heh, the last of from my homeworld before Revelation happened." The priest pulled his hood back revealing a red-skinned man with three horns protruding from the left side of his skull and deep piercing ethereal blue eyes. "My name was Uriah Olathaire. Last priest of Terra and practioner and cleric of Chaos Undivided."
Well guys end of chapter III. I hope you all enjoy it I honestly had a hard time writing this due to trying to ensuring the emotional parts felt right and everything that will follow with Orius and the Chaos legions following once they crossover to star wars as this chapter is mainly about Orius putting aside what he's lost to become something more. Plus the real question shall be will he keep ahold of his soul throughout this tale as he follows down a path to damnation to bring about his own peace to the galaxy using the powers of Chaos to due so. Let alone the dark war that will follow.