Chapter Four
-Zarrix's Chambers, seven days later-
"So, Zarrix wants us to meet him in the docking bay?" Rainbow Dash asked, following a confused Twilight.
"Yeah, unfortunately, I forgot to ask which docking bay… I thought there was only one." Twilight said, a bit embarrassed to find out the one they had gone to was empty. Instead of wondering around, aimlessly, the three decided to go back. "I have no idea where to go now, and Zarrix said to be careful… Apparently this ship is more dangerous than we thought."
The three began to think on it, they don't have much time left… They needed to be in this docking bay within the next twenty minutes. No one had any ideas on what to do, until Rarity heard heavy foot falls just outside of the door. "Oh! I just got an idea!" The fashionista exclaimed, rushing over to the door.
"Rarity, what are you doing?" Twilight asked, her and Rainbow Dash following their friend.
"Going to find out if my charm works on Astartes, or not." She answered, before opening the door. When she looked out, the fashionista saw the passing Iron Warrior. "Excuse me! My lord?" The Astartes stopped, and turned around as Rarity ran up to him.
"Yes, Lady Rarity?" He asked, the three instantly recognizing him… It was Kalex!
"My friends and I are needed at the Master's side, in the next twenty minutes… But we don't know where to go, and were told that, despite us being his personal slaves, it is still very dangerous for us." Rarity explained, suddenly fluttering her eyes up at him, sweetly. "We were wondering if a powerful Astartes, such as yourself, wouldn't mind escorting us, defenseless, young ladies. I am sure that the Master would be most grateful for this…. I know we would be." She motioned to herself, then to the others, while the Iron Warrior began to rub the back of his helmet for some reason.
Kalex looked at them, for a moment, then thought about the request. When his eyes returned to Rarity, he gave a nod. "Alright, he is in Docking Bay Four, it is close to our location. If we leave now, we'll arrive with five minutes to spare." He answered, before turning around and headed down the hallway, the girls right behind him.
"So, how long have you been in the Master's service?" Rarity asked, wanting to pass the time.
"I had recently become a battle brother, assigned to reinforce his Grand Company, during the Horus Heresy. I've been loyal to my Warsmith ever since." He said, remembering the first battle under Warsmith Zarrix's command. "My first battle, with the Grand Company, was against the Imperial Fists… Even with all the heavy bolter fire and lascannon fire, I remember seeing the Warsmith in his Mark IV armor. His chain link cape flying in the wind, standing on top of fallen rubble, like he was in no real danger. Seeing him like that, his determined gaze to bring that wall crumbling down, in the name of our Iron Lord." Kalex had to take a moment, remembering the site. "You had to see it… Everyone one of us felt like we could bring down the walls of Terra ourselves."
The three thought of the site, Twilight able to see the suit of armor doing just that. "A leader, who can inspire his men to such lengths… Is truly worthy of such a charge." Rarity admitted, smiling up at Kalex. "I'm sure you, yourself, had many incredible experiences, Lord Kalex."
"One or two… But not like Warsmith Zarrix." He said, the four entering a lift.
"It's like you revere him… Is he that well known, as a leader?" Twilight asked.
"Not to anyone outside of our Warband. But, to us, Warsmith Zarrix is someone we cannot afford to lose." Kalex admitted, giving a light sigh. "We've seen what has happened to the rest of our once great Legion… Mutation, insanity, death, corruption, betrayal… Zarrix, alone, prevents us from falling to such a fate. He keeps us pure, and away from the Warp's corruption. It's almost like his presence stays their hand."
"He does seem rather powerful." Rarity said, looking back up at their current bodyguard. "Mind telling us about yourself more?"
Kalex gave a nod, regaling the three girls about himself. To their surprise, despite his feats and talents, Kalex was just another Legionnaire, part of an Iron Havoc Squad as support…. Forced to follow ones like Sergeant Norik. He even apparently saved the warsmith once, by taking a bolter round to the shoulder, but felt like Zarrix didn't notice due to him trying to personally fire an artillery piece.
-Fifteen Minutes later, Docking Bay Four-
Zarrix was watching the port, protected by the ship's geller field. When his helmet started to beep, he lifted a claw up and activated the vox channel. "Speak." He simply said, having an idea what it is about.
"Warsmith, the Red Corsair's Tradeship, Huron's Gift, has requested ship to ship docking. Your orders?" The voice asked, as the Docking Bay blast doors opened up.
"Give them the green light. But make sure they know that none of them may leave Docking Bay Four." He responded, turning to see the three girls that he had been expecting, being escorted towards him. "Any Corsairs found outside of Bay Four will be executed." Zarrix finished.
"It will be done, my lord." The voice said, as the Warsmith cut the vox channel out.
"Girls! I am happy you three could make it in time." Zarrix said, the three walking over to him, with the Iron Warrior right behind them. "I was worried that you wouldn't make it in time."
Twilight was the only one to actually get close to him, leaning against his side with a power claw resting over her. "We would have not been able to make it at all… Had it not been for Lord Kalex's generousness to personally escort us here." Rarity said, causing Zarrix to look at the Legionnaire.
"Is this true, brother?" He asked the Legionnaire.
"Yes, my Warsmith. They needed to be here, and asked if I could escort them." Kalex answered, Rarity suddenly getting an idea.
"You're being too modest, darling." Rarity said, motioning to the Astartes. "We were frantic, wondering how we would ever make it here on time. As you said, the ship was too dangerous for us to travel alone, when we didn't know the route. Then, out of nowhere, he comes over to us. This brave warrior offered to escort and protect us." She turned, and gave Kalex a wink, the Iron Warrior speechless at the lie.
Zarrix looked down at Twilight and Rainbow Dash. "Is she telling the truth?" He asked, the girls did not hesitate to nod, knowing their friend's plan. The warsmith then looked at Kalex, with an approving nod. "Well done, brother. Keep doing things like this, and I will find a way to reward you… Do not think I have forgotten who you are, Kalex, or how you prevented my early demise by taking a near fatal wound yourself."
The Legionnaire gave him a salute. "T-Thank you, my Warsmith… I live to serve you, and the Lord of Iron." Kalex said, turning to leave but was stopped.
"No, stay… You will be part of the Welcoming Force." Zarrix said, Kalex turning to face him. "Along with being part of my entourage. You've earned that much, for your actions today."
"Master? What exactly did you want us here for?" Twilight asked.
Right then, a large red ship, bearing a black fist, appeared outside of the docking bay. The group could tell that it was alongside the Irongarde, preparing to dock with it. "That is why… The Huron's Gift is the Red Corsairs' Trade Ship we've been waiting for." Zarrix said, looking at the girls. "Rainbow Dash, you're in charge of the Welcoming Force's formation. I want us to give an impressive show, and you're the best choice. Rarity, I need your keen eye to make sure we aren't being shafted by them, these pirates are known for cutting corners and selling others short. And Twilight?" She looked up at him, smiling. "You're in charge of looking over the manifest, ensuring that they do not short change us either. The dataslate has already been uploaded with what was promised to us, along with what we're trading. I'm in trusting you with an important job." Twilight gave a nod, stepping away from the warsmith. "I've already informed the Sergeants, all three of you will be speaking with my voice… None will question you." The three nodded, smiling at their jobs. "Now then, no time to spare, they'll be docking very soon."
-Once preperations were made, the Huron's Gift fully docked-
Twilight had gone over the manifest three times, Rarity waited with two Iron Warriors as her guards. Rainbow Dash had the remaining Iron Warriors stationed at each entrance, making sure they were heavily guarded, leaving a single platoon of twenty Astartes left, out of fifty, to act as the entourage of Zarrix and Twilight. They were able to find a few Iron Warrior Banners, having one at each blast door and four near Zarrix himself. The rainbow hiared girl was proud of her work, smiling at the impressive display.
Once the docking procedures were about complete, Rainbow Dash quickly rejoined Zarrix and Twilight, smiling at the princess, who was at the Terminator's waist. Twilight felt rather nervous, though, the way Zarrix described these Red Corsairs made them out to be both dangerous and unpredictable. He went so far as to give them a mental image to them, and how some wear the skins of their victims. But, for the fourth time, Zarrix's power claw relaxed her.
When they heard the tell-tale sounds of the airlocks sealing, the Huron's Gift blast doors suddenly opened up. Eleven Space Marines, wearing red and black twisted armor, walked into the docking bay. "Warsmith Zarrix, the Unbreakable! What pleasure, and honor, it is for me to complete this transaction between you and my lord!" The lead Corsair said, throwing his arms out, pushing the skin crafted cape behind him. Once he walked up to the Terminator, the size difference obvious, he placed a hand over his heart and bowed. "I am Captain Arazel, Commander of the Huron's Gift, at your service."
Zarrix looked down at him, unimpressed by the display he just saw. "Let us skip the pleasantries. Did you bring my shipment, Arazel?" He asked.
The Corsair nodded. "Why of course, dear Warsmith. My lord never disappoints his most valued customers and allies. We have brought a total of one hundred bolters, five clips per bolter. Ammunition for all of your siege weapons, and one Land Raider Crusader, from the Imperial Fist Chapter." Arazel said, smiling up at the warsmith. "Do you have the payment?"
"Three hundred and fifty freshly captured slaves, along with the gene-seed of thirty Ultramarines. As a sign of good faith between our two Warbands, I have also thrown in three Minotaur Astartes we had… Taken in, after their ship started to fall apart and drift aimlessly into the void." Zarrix said, a gleam appearing in the Corsair's eyes when he mentioned the Astartes prisoners.
"Splendid, Warsmith! Shall we conduct the trade?" Arazel asked, smiling from ear to ear.
"Yes, my slaves, Twilight Sparkle and Rarity, shall be overseeing your end of the trade." He motioned towards the two girls, Arazel giving a nod. "Tell your men that, if these two tell them something, they do it. Any disrespect towards them, is disrespect towards me. Understood?"
"With pleasure, Warsmith. I will not tolerate such things either." Arazel said, nodding before he looked towards Twilight, who clung to Zarrix's waist at the strange look. "I am to assume that this lavender beauty is Lady Sparkle?" He asked, the look sending a chill down Twilight's spine.
Zarrix's power claw suddenly covered more of her, shielding Twilight from his gaze. "Yes, and she is my favored slave. No, she nor the others are up for trade." He practically growled, the Corsair giving a defensive posture.
"Oh, no, dear Warsmith! You got things all wrong! I was simply admiring her and thinking how lucky you are, to have such a beautiful mortal at your beckoning call!" Arazel said, trying to prevent any violent misunderstandings. "Now, shall we continue with the trade?"
"Yes, let us do so. I am a rather busy Warlord." Zarrix said, not moving his claw away from Twilight, for the time being.
-Sometime Later-
The exchange was going well, the docking bay was filling up with equipment, heavy lifters carrying them in, along with slaves being escorted in by Iron Warriors, then by Red Corsairs to the Huron's Gift. Twilight was double, and triple, checking the equipment being off loaded. Once she was done, the Corsairs took them over to Rarity, who inspected the merchandize. Zarrix was keeping the Minotaur prisoners away from the Corsairs, not wanting to give them up until the end of their trade. Rainbow Dash, on the other hand, was making sure her "awesome formations" were exactly as she left them, and checking up on how the Astartes were doing.
Twilight's attention, while she was checking a dataslate, was suddenly pulled away, and why shouldn't it? This was the first time she had ever seen a Land Raider Crusader! The princess left the protection of Zarrix, and ran up to the massive armored vehicle. When it finally stopped, ignoring the Red Corsair guards around it, Twilight reached up and placed a hand on to the armored haul. It almost felt like Zarrix's old armor. Though, the Land Raider actually felt happy she was there, glad someone "pure" was around it for once. Her concentration with it was suddenly broken, when it felt like the Land Raider screamed "look out!"
Before she could look, to see what it talked about, a red armored fist slammed into her stomach! The force behind the blow caused Twilight to fly right into a few boxes, feeling a crack in several places around her sides. "Worthless mortal! You dare touch a holy vehicle with your unworthy hands!? I shall beat this lesson into that fragile skull of yours!" A Red Corsair growled, moving towards Twilight. It was one that wasn't around for the meeting between Zarrix and Arazel!
When Twilight tried to move, it felt like blades had stabbed into her sides, making the princess cry in pain. "O-Oh no! I think that hit may have broken a few ribs!" Twilight's mind screamed, seeing the twisted Astartes walking towards her.
"Lady Sparkle!" A few Iron Warriors yelled, seeing the attack, and quickly moved to where they could fire at the Corsair.
"No, you fools!" Another yelled, making the others drop their bolters. "You'll hit the explosives around them!" Sure enough, the crates she landed against had been labeled "explosive ordinance".
Twilight's mind began to race, she didn't know what to do now. Every movement caused too much pain, she couldn't concentrate on a spell, the only reason she was still conscious was because her adrenaline kept most of it at bay. The Iron Warriors couldn't help, in fear of setting off the explosives. Both Rainbow Dash and Rarity stood no chance against the Astartes. Only one last name came to mind, and it was a stretch that he would get there in time. Twilight closed both of her eyes and screamed. "Zarrix!"
Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump.
An enraged roar.
Crunching metal.
Screams of pure agony.
Those were the sounds that Twilight heard, within the next few moments. When she opened her eyes, it was both an incredible and sickening site. Zarrix was holding the Corsair by his head, off the ground, his grip slowly tightening. The Corsair was flailing about, trying to get the warsmith to release him, while he screamed in pain. "Foolish, pathetic, worthless, whelp! Did you really think I would allow you to harm my princess, and get away with it!?" Zarrix roared, his voice filled with unrestrained rage.
"I-I'm sorry, my-AHHH-lord! Please, forgive my transgressions!" The Corsair begged, pleading for his life to be spared.
Zarrix's eyes lit up, suddenly grabbing the Corsair by his upper left thigh, and held him horizontally. "No forgiveness, and no mercy, is found within the IV Legion!" The Terminator yelled, as he began to pull the Corsair in half, slowly.
The entire docking bay was silent, the Corsair's screams of pain being the only sounds. All watched, even Rainbow Dash and Rarity, in shock as the warsmith tore the Corsair in half! The upper body going into his left hand, while the lower body dangled from his right. All around him, blood soaked the metal ground, as it poured out from the lifeless corpse.
After only a few seconds, Zarrix threw the two halves on to the ground, and rushed over to Twilight's side. "Twilight! Are you alright? Are you hurt!?" He demanded, kneeling next to the frozen princess. When she didn't respond, Zarrix grabbed her with his still blood claws. "Twilight, answer me!" Now his voice was filled with concern.
His touch quickly snapped her out of it, the princess shaking her head. Twilight looked at the blood covered, tusked, helmet of Zarrix. For some reason, the blood actually didn't bother her. "Is it because… The blood came from protecting me?" She thought, before smiling and actually placing a hand on the side of his helmet. "Yes, Zarrix, I'm fi-AAHH!" She screamed, her adrenaline choosing now to stop. She could feel every ounce of pain three broken ribs could cause.
Before she could fall back, in pain, Zarrix caught her with his left power claw. His gaze jerked up, looking directly at the on lookers. "Get an Apothecary, quickly!" He yelled, his warriors looking at one another. "NOW!" Zarrix roared, actually making them jump. Several Iron Warriors began trying to contact the Apothecarion.
After hearing how urgent it was, an Apothecary arrived within minutes, rushing over to Zarrix and Twilight. "What happened, Warsmith?" He asked, looking over at the lavender girl.
"One of the Corsairs punched her in the stomach, and she landed against the crates." Zarrix said, the Apothecary using his bionic eye to scan her.
"Four fractured ribs, three fully broken, possible concussion. I need to take her with me, to the Apothecarion, to treat this." The Apothecary announced, carefully picking up Twilight, and carried her out of the docking bay, rushing so the damage doesn't become worse with wasted time.
Arazel, after the Apothecary had left, rushed over to Zarrix with Rainbow Dash and Rarity right behind him. "Warsmith Zarrix! I am so sorry that occurred! Is there anything I, or my lord, could possibly-.."
"Get off…" Zarrix muttered.
"W-What was that, Warsmith?" Arazel asked, scared to incur the Terminator's wrath, not hearing so well.
Zarrix shot up, turning to face the Corsair Captain and truly revealed how insignificant he was compared to the warsmith. "Get off my ship, before I slaughter every last one of you crazed bastards, and obliterate your worthless ship!" He roared, making it feel like his voice shook the entire docking bay.