-Chapter Three-
-Sometime later, back at Zarrix's Chambers-
"Did you see the look on their faces?" Rainbow Dash yelled, holding her stomach while she laughed. "They couldn't believe what they saw!"
Rarity giggled. "I know, darling." She said, placing a hand on Twilight's shoulder. "And Twilight, you must be proud of yourself! Five flawless victories against warriors who have been at least ten years of combat experience each? That's incredible."
"I have to admit, the War Game is rather fun, and who would have guessed I was talented at both sides of siege warfare." Twilight said, joining her friends in a shared laugh.
Rarity looked towards Zarrix, who was silently sitting on his throne, like he was contemplating something. She smirked, and leaned in so the other two could hear her whisper. "So, Twilight, what did you think when Zarrix called you his favorite?" Rarity had a devilish smile on her face.
Twilight started to blush. "C-Come on, Rarity… We both know he said it t-to keep up appearances." She said, taking a glance at Zarrix, who still remained motionless.
"Twi, I think he actually meant it." Rainbow Dash whispered, smiling at her. "First, there was the fact he came to your rescue, when that Norik guy tried to grab you. Then he answered any question you had, despite how personal they probably were, no one tells someone their personal history right off the back. Then there was the War Game, and how he pretty much had the whole room cheering you on."
Twilight thought for a moment, smiling. "Well… There was something that Sergeant Malk told me, while he was showing me the controls."
"What did he say?" The two asked, smiles on their faces.
"W-When Norik tried to grab me, Zarrix could have just left him with that crushed arm…" Twilight said, smiling at the information. "He didn't have to take his arm and leg."
"See? He didn't have to actually maim that guy, yet he did it because of how he was approaching you." Rainbow Dash said, nudging her friend playfully.
"Y-Yeah… Malk said that Zarrix must have been extremely angry to do that." Twilight confirmed, both Rainbow Dash and Rarity seeing the wide, goofy, smile on her face. Then something stopped it, right away. "But… Before three days ago, I was just a fictional character to him. "She said, looking towards the silent Warsmith.
"Well, you're real to him now, Darling." Rarity said, nudging the princess. "And while I was working on our dresses, I caught him glancing at you a few times, when you weren't looking."
Before they could say another word, Zarrix's eyes suddenly flashed for a second. "Girls, quickly, come over here!" He said, the three rushing over to the Terminator. "Rainbow Dash, there is a dataslate to my throne's right, stand there and act like you're reviewing it and learning how to repair Power Armor." Rainbow Dash nodded, and went to the Warsmith's right, doing what she was instructed. "Rarity, you're on my left. Act like you're working on your image."
"Who needs to act, darling?" Rarity asked, pulling out a mirror, taking a seat to the throne's left, and started to work on her hair.
Zarrix gave a nod. "W-What about me?" Twilight asked, looking up at him.
He tapped his right leg. "On my lap, it is a sign that you're my favorite and have a bond with me." He answered, the princess gave a hesitant nod, before she climbed up on to his larger metal frame, sitting near his armored torso.
Twilight just sat there, a deep blush on her face. "What am I doing?" She thought, slightly looking up at the tusked helmet of Zarrix. "I mean… I barely know him, and yet I blush every time he says my name, someone says his, or when I'm close to him." Then it suddenly hit her. "Maybe… I should just go with it? Not like I'll get another chance to have a giant guardian treating me like this, who actually has an entire fighting force of super soldiers show me respect."
Twilight smiled, before resting her head against Zarrix's breastplate, and placed a hand over the skull at its center. When the Warsmith lifted his right power claw up, and rapped it around her smaller frame, she flinched a second. Then, like a dam breaking, a protective feeling washed over her entire body. It was almost like, so long as she was close to him, the princess was actually… Safe.
Twilight slowly closed both of her eyes, letting her whole body relax. Zarrix looked down at her, and smiled behind his helmet. "Damn… She's so beautiful." He thought, turning his helmeted gaze towards the door to his chambers. "I wish I had a better reason for doing this, besides a meeting with my Warband's Leadership."
Rarity was using her mirror to watch the two of them, smiling every second. "Yep… He has it bad for her." She thought, just as a knock came at the chamber doors.
The red light at the control panel turned green. "Enter!" Zarrix ordered, as ten Iron Warriors entered the room. "What do you all have to report?"
One of them, who wore an Iron Warrior turned Aquila patterned armor, stepped forward. "Warsmith, are you sure those three should be presence for this?" He asked.
"Rainbow Dash seems to have a gift for fast attacks, which could benefits our planning with quicker units. Rarity also can help design a few things, make our Warband look grander compared to the others." Zarrix said, as the one next to the first stepped forward.
"And Lady Sparkle?" The second asked.
Twilight felt Zarrix's grip tightened, protectively. "Her genius has already been proven during the War Games… If anything, she can help us find flaws in our own plans." The warsmith answered, tilting his tusked helmet. "And do you believe I would part with my most favored slave for even a second, Captain?" The Iron Warrior quickly shook his head, backing up. Hearing that, Twilight help but nuzzle into his breastplate more. "Now then… What do you all have to report?"
"Sir, all of our brothers are combat ready, some squads are even taking part in simulations to better prepare themselves." The first Iron Warrior said, Zarrix giving an approving nod.
The tenth stepped forward. "Warsmith, according to my own reports, the Red Corsairs Trade Ship should be arriving soon with our shipment. Within the week."
"It seems Huron is more punctual then I thought… First, I believed he was just an impatient child." Zarrix joked, making the group of Astartes laugh.
"Master, if I may?" Twilight spoke up, looking at the Warsmith, who simply nodded. "Who is Huron and the Red Corsairs?"
"Renegade Astartes turned pirates after the Imperium dragged their chapter through the mud, and nearly wiped them out." Zarrix shook his head a bit. "They also worship the Ruinous Powers, almost like those fanatical Word Bearers." The group of Iron Warriors let out an annoyed groan.
"Thank you, Master." She decided to end it at that, waiting until later to actually ask about these 'Ruinous Powers'.
"Alright, let us continue, brothers." Zarrix said, the other Iron Warriors nodding to them. Though, some of the Warsmith's attention was on the lavender skinned girl on his lap, who returned to nuzzling into his Terminator armor's breastplate.
-After the Meeting-
Twilight waited until after the other Iron Warriors had left, making them think her attention was just on a dataslate Rainbow Dash handed her midway through the meeting, then spoke up. "So… What are these 'Ruinous Powers', Zarrix?" She asked.
"Dangerous god-like entities that play with the lives of mortals, like we are some form of toys." He said, using his power claw to keep the princess gently against him… Hearing her slightly yawn a bit. "The best way to describe them, would be Daemon Gods that have their own Demonic Hordes. There are eight total but most just know of the four strongest ones."
"Which are?" She asked, sleepily, while Rainbow Dash and Rarity slightly listened.
"First is Khorne, God of Blood and War. Second is Nurgle, God of Death and Disease. Third is Slaanesh, God/Goddess, this one is an it, of Hedonism and Pain. The final one is the one you must be wary of Twilight." She looked up at him, hearing the seriousness of his tone. "He is known as Tzeentch, the God of Sorcery and Change. Out of all of them, he is the most manipulative… I have the strangest feeling he is how you three got here."
The princes nodded, looking back at the dataslate in her lap. "Thank you… By the way, yawn, this thing had a list of your logistical information." She held it up, allowing the warsmith to take hold of the dataslate. "I couldn't help myself, and ended up alphabetizing everything and marked anything that seemed important."
Zarrix eyed the list, sure enough it looked far more organized. This caused the warsmith to chuckle a little, finding Twilight's organization ability impressive despite her being so obviously tired. "Why do I have the strangest feeling that you three are going to make major changes around here?" He rhetorically asked.
"Because, darling, you know us too well." Rarity noted, making the three of them laugh before noticing that Twilight had fallen asleep in Zarrix's lap already, now unaware of what they'll be saying. "So, 'Master', tell us why Twilight is the favored one?" She gave him a mischievous look.
"Nice try, but I know how you are with gossip, Miss Rarity." Zarrix said, making Rainbow Dash laugh a bit while Rarity gave him a disappointed 'hmph'.
Zarrix slowly cradled Twilight, in his massive arms, before he stood up. "You two should get some rest... It may not seem like it, but it is rather late." The warsmith said, walking over to a room sectioned off within the chambers, used as the girls' personal quarters, with both Rainbow Dash and Rarity right behind him.
"For one so dangerous, Zarrix is surprisingly gentle." Rarity whispered, watching how carefully he held their friend.
"When I was going through that dataslate, I found a section about their Primarch, Perturabo…. The guy sounded so freaking awesome." Rainbow Dash whispered back, the fashionista giving her an 'aaaaand?' look. "He was known as a masterful siege warfare expert, able to tear down any wall. But he was also a master architect, able to work on the smallest detail… All of his work was considered to be the type that could make angels weep, or something along those sappy lines."
Rarity placed a hand over her mouth. "He sounds like a masterful artist, too." She looked at the Terminator. "Think it's possible that his Legion gained the same expertise and gentleness required to do such things?"
"It would explain why Zarrix is so…. Since every Iron Warrior is considered Perturabo's son." Rainbow Dash said, making Rarity nod.
"That would explain why they call each other 'brother'." She said, smirking bit. "This makes Zarrix much more interesting.
-Twilight's Dream-
Twilight was in a massive library, within some strange castle. She used her magic to scan through book after book, smirking at how easily she is learning the information within. To her surprise, Princess Celestia was sitting next to her, also reading a book or two. "I must say, Twilight Sparkle, it has been some time since we last studied together. This brings back so many memories." The elder princess said, making Twilight blush a bit.
"I am just happy to finally spend some time with you, Princess. I am still grateful for everything you've taught me over the years." Twilight said, smiling at the memories and how Celestia acted like a second mother to her. "I would have never done what I have, without you guiding me."
"You are too humble with it, Twilight… After all, it wasn't I who coached you to marry that powerful being. Even I was impressed by it, and how much he has helped Equestria." Celestia said, giggling a bit. "I found myself marveling at his strength, when he literally kicked Discord across Equestria for messing with your wings." She continued to giggle before giving a smiling at the 'memory'. "Best day I had, since you became a Princess."
"W-What?" Twilight asked, looking up at the elder princess. "W-What are you talking about, Princess?"
"Hm? Has this study session tired you out again, Twilight? I am simply speaking about your husband." Celestia said, smiling at her before placing a hoof over Twilight's head, just in case she may be sick. "He's been on leave, after finishing fortifying Canterlot's Defenses…. Go say hello to him, I'm sure he's somewhere in the main hall of the castle." Celestia gave her signature motherly smile. "I can wait right here."
Twilight nodded, curiosity getting the better of her, and left the library. She walked down the large hallway, noticing that it was a variation of her castle, and decided to play along. "H-Honey… Are you here?" She asked, making her way through the main hall, something making her head towards her personal wing of the castle. Everything was still there, pictures of her friends, family, and the things she has collected over the years. However, there were a few larger, metal, objects as well… There was even an Iron Warriors' banner near one of the-… "Wait, Iron Warriors Banner?" Twilight thought
"Huh, you're done early. Could have sworn the study session with Princess Celestia would have gone longer." A familiar, metallic, deep; voice said before the mare could hear heavy foot falls. Then, out from what looked like the castle's workshop, came a very familiar Terminator.
"Z-Z-Zarrix!" She said, her jaw dropping, as he placed a few tools on to his armor's hip.
The warsmith began to laugh. "Why are you so shocked to see your husband, for the past five years?" He asked.
"F-Five years!?" She shouted, looking around again, only to see pictures of the two. One was of them in Canterlot, with the Princesses, another was them working on restructuring the Friendship Castle, Twilight directing him while the Terminator lifted a massive piece of metal over his head. The next one was a wedding picture, Shining Armor crying in the background, of Zarrix carrying her bridal style in his claws. There was even one of them at a beach! She was wearing a two-piece bikini and matching skirt, reading a book, and laying over Zarrix's stomach while he was in a large lounge chair… Sipping a large drink through his helmet, wearing a pair of sunglasses.
If her jaw wasn't attached right now, it would have slammed on to the ground already. Her whole body suddenly became stiff, the moment the voice of a young filly yelled. "Mommy! Daddy let me build something in the workshop! Lookie, lookie!"
-Irongarde, the Girls' Quarters-
Twilight flew up into a sitting position, eyes wide and breathing heavily. She looked around, seeing both Rainbow Dash and Rarity fast asleep in their own beds. Twilight slowly lifted a hand up, and placed it over her face. "W-What a strange dream." She thought, calming herself down.
When Twilight tried to go back to sleep, the princess began to realize that it was impossible. So, deciding to have a more detailed look around was better, she entered the main portion of Zarrix's chambers. She noticed that the Warsmith was sitting on his throne, but his eyes were dark. Assuming that he was asleep, she looked at all the things that had been collected over the years.
Surprisingly, they were mostly trophies of past battles and impressive feats. One of the trophies was a strange red stone, which radiated with powerful magic. There was also what looked like a painting of an Iron Warrior, who she assumed to be Zarrix, standing in front of many others, holding a banner with a twin headed eagle, and some destroyed fortress behind them.
Her attention was soon to the Mark IV Maximus Armor, which was holding a combi-bolter and had a strange sword at the hip. Twilight had to admit, the armor was impressive. The plating seem to be thick enough to survive constant abuse while also being designed to allow easier ranges of motion. It truly gave off a 'juggernaut' feeling to it. She carefully lifted a hand up, and placed it on to the armor's breastplate. Somehow, she could feel something within the armor itself, a longing feeling. "I bet you're wanting to see battle again, right?" She asked, smiling at the thought of the armor responding.
To her surprise, it felt like the armor actually said "yes" to her question.
Twilight didn't really know how to respond to that. She gave a light sigh, looking up at the armor's helmet and into the eye lenses. It looked like the princess and the armor were actually looking into each other's eyes. "I wish I could help you… But it's not like I am able to wear you, much like the Iron Warriors could." She said, feeling sorry for the power armor… Having to remain in Zarrix's chambers, like it was some decorative piece.
"Even I regret leaving my old armor to collect dust in here." Zarrix suddenly said, Twilight turning to see the warsmith looking at her. "That armor had saved my life more times than I would like to admit."
"Then why not pass it on? I'm sure there is someone who would wear it." Twilight asked, turning to fully face him. "Also… How long have you been awake?" She asked, blushing a bit.
"Not that simple. This particular armor is a relic, one must be worthy to wear it into combat." He replied, leaning back into the throne. "I have been the whole time, just thinking on certain things coming up… Let me guess, had a nightmare?"
"Oh, didn't know that… And not really." She said, rubbing the back of her head nervously. "It was an awkwardly strange dream."
Zarrix motioned for her to step in front of him. "Tell me about it… Being on board a ship that has entered the Eye of Terror, any times, often gives ones visions of the future within their dreams, or strange ones." He said, the princess walking over to him.
"W-Well… It started out with me actually studying with Princess Celestia, having the time of my life like usual." She started, Zarrix smiling at the fact that Twilight was studying with her idol again. "But it got strange when she mentioned I had a husband."
Zarrix tilted his head, raising an eyebrow behind the helmet. "I can tell this is getting interesting." He said, noticing Twilight blushing and not able to stand still, rubbing both of her upper arms. "Something the matter?"
I-I got to see who it was…. A-And…" She started, finding it extremely difficult to actually say it. There was a lump in her throat, actually admitting he was the one she saw, made her nervous. "Ugh… Why do I feel this way." Twilight sighed, looking down at the metal ground. "I'm the Princess of Friendship, Element of Magic, and an alicorn… Yet, I'm acting just like a silly filly." She said, her face completely red.
"Maybe you just need to relax? That could help with the nervousness." Zarrix suggested, holding out his right power claw to emphasize his point. "Is there anything I can do to help you do so?"
Twilight suddenly blushed even more, at his suggestion. "W-Well… There w-was one thing earlier, and I felt really relaxed." She said, not moving her eyes from the metal ground, shifting her feet even more.
"Name it, and I will see it done." Zarrix said, giving her a confident nod. "Personally."
That did it, him saying those words gave her enough confidence to ask. "W-Would you let me sit in your lap, again?"
Without hesitation, Zarrix motioned to his lap. "For you, Twilight Sparkle? I would have the whole Warband become cheerleaders, if it helped you relax." Twilight actually giggled at the thought of armored Iron Warriors wearing cheerleader outfits, waving pom-poms around.
She climbed up on to the Terminator's lap, resting her head against his armored breastplate, and felt the massive claws around her small frame. The feeling of safety, and being protected, washed over her again, causing Twilight to nearly relax instantly. "The one I saw was…" Her face continued to blush, and she couldn't believe she was actually about to say this. "It was you." Twilight looked up at him, in hopes to see any reaction from him, but his tusked helmet prevented such things.
Behind the helmet, however, Zarrix had a face of pure disbelief. "S-She had a dream… Where I was her husband?" He thought, if he didn't hear it from her, the warsmith would have never believed such things! When he looked down at her, Zarrix noticed that she was looking directly at him, obviously expecting some response. "And what are your thoughts on the matter?" He managed to ask, looking into those beautiful eyes of hers.
"I-I don't really know… I barely know you, but you make me feel something no other pony-… Er… Person, now, has ever done." She admitted, looking back down, and continuing to rest her head against the Terminator's breastplate.
"They say… If you know one's greatest sins, and still hold such emtions, then it is a sign from your own heart." Zarrix said, Twilight looking up at him again.
"Would you tell me your sins, then?" She asked, her eyes giving him a pleading look.
"Are you sure you wish to know? My greatest sins are so dark, the mere mentioning of some would make Tirek look like a saint." Zarrix asked, Twilight giving a hesitant nod. "Alright… I have slaughtered millions, men, women, children; none were spared. My claws, including the one that holds you now, have been drenched in the blood of innocent lives. Even the world our Legion was based on, the world we considered our home…. I helped with purging every mortal that lived there… During the Horus Heresy, many good people fell at my claws. And now, my Warband raids unsuspecting worlds for fun… Killing anyone who resists our might, enslaving those that are left." The more he thought about these facts, the warsmith started to hate what he has become. "I, and my brothers, are no longer the Liberators of Freedom… The Hammer of Man… We're no better than the daemons other Traitor Legions are enslaved to."
Twilight continued to listen, her eyes wide at the atrocities he has committed. Though, she could tell there was more to it all, the tone of his voice revealed that much. There was regret, guilt, and even shame; within his voice. It was quite obvious the warsmith was not proud of what has done. She waited until he was finished, before speaking up. "Sounds like you've had a very hard time."
"That's an understatement… Even with the fact our Legion was never thanked for the things we did for the Imperium, other Legions taking the glory that we earned." Zarrix chuckled, remembering every order he gave and brother that died because of it. "So, are those feelings still there?"
Twilight suddenly did something he did not expect… She wrapped her right arm around his waist, the best she could, and nuzzled into his breastplate. "Even though I know what stained your claws, I can't help but feel safe in them…. That all of my worries have completely disappeared." She admitted.
Zarrix just sat there, on his throne, Twilight in his lap, and stared at the ground with a blank look. When he felt the princess had fallen asleep, his claws gave a more protective hold over her. "Thank you…" He whispered.
"You're welcome." She managed to say, in her sleep-like state.