-Chapter Six-
Twilight slowly opened her eyes, everything blurry for a few moments. When she tried to sit up, an armored hand laid her back down. "You must rest, Lady Sparkle." She looked to see an Iron Warrior, armor making him look like a doctor of some kind.
"H-How long was I out for?" She asked, her head swimming some.
"Four days, after we stabilized you. It took two days in the warp just to do that." The Apothecary said, holding some device up to Twilight, pressing a few buttons. "We about lost you the second day, but it seems like luck had been on our side."
"W-What do you mean?" She asked, watching the device.
"Your body was on the verge of failure, Lady Rarity trying her best to prevent it. Then, out of nowhere, your body returned to normal, stabilizing." The Apothecary answered, as the device beeped a few times. "Scan complete. Everything seems to be normal, except for the mutation on your back."
"M-Mutation?" Twilight said, eyes wide.
"Yes. We were going to remove them, but the Warsmith ordered us not to." He said, putting the device away. "I'm surprised you don't feel them yet."
Right as Twilight was about to ask what he meant, she felt a familiar movement on her back. She slowly moved her gaze, to where she felt it. Both eyes locked on to the lavender colored feathers, Twilight looking over the other shoulder to find the same thing. However, what shocked her the most, when her curiosity was becoming greater, a powerful aura appeared around her with ease.
Despite his protests, Twilight ignored the Apothecary and started to fly around the Apothecarion yelling "yes!" repeadedly… Her wings wide open, and her alicorn powers had returned fully.
After she calmed down, the Apothecary scolded her for such actions, Twiliht back on the metal slab. She couldn't help fiddle with her wings, a voice catching her attention. "You're awake!" The princess looked to the door, in time to see both Rainbow Dash and Rarity rush in, just to hug her.
"We were so worried about you, darling!" Rarity said, backing up some. "And I see you've discovered your wings and magic returned."
"Yeah, I couldn't believe it, the moment I discovered I had them." Twilight said, barely able to hold back her excitement.
"I'm surprised we didn't find you levitating everything in the Apothecarion already." Rainbow Dash teased, smiling at her friend.
"You actually just missed me doing something along those lines, and the doctor scolding me for possibly reopening my injuries…" Twilight said, feeling a bit embarrassed about that.
"Apothecary, though a doctor is rather close." The Apothecary said, as he walked over with a tray of food and water. "Apothecary Anlerion, to be exact. I serve in the Warsmith's personal squad, and head Apothecary aboard the Irongarde." He handed the tray towards Twilight, who eyed it carefully. "It's not medicine. You've been receiving nutrients, for the past six days, through an I.V. Figured your body would like real food for once."
Twilight nodded, taking the tray. "Thank you, Apothecary Anlerion." She said, before starting to eat.
"Anlerion will do, no need for the title." Anlerion said, pulling out a dataslate. "Once you've finished eating, I'll be able to clear you from our care."
The two nodded, as Twilight swallowed a bit of her food. "Where is Master? I thought he would be here when I woke up." She asked.
"Believe it, or not, he was by your side for those six days… Since yesterday, he has been planning an attack on a remote Hive World for supplies." Anlerion answered, putting his dataslate away. "The entire Warband has been on edge."
"Why is that? Are the Corsairs mad that Zarrix killed one of them?" Twilight asked.
"No, ironically… I've heard Huron has been trying to make amends, since the Warsmith is one of his most trustworthy allies." Anlerion said, making Twilight smirk a bit. "But the Warband has been on edge because you were almost lost, and under their watch… A deep blow to our honor."
Twilight nodded, finishing her food and setting the tray to the side. "Would it be alright if I went to see Master? I'm also sure it'll do the Warband good to see I am alright."
"I did say you were free to go, after eating… The guards outside will escort you to the Warsmith." Anlerion said, taking the tray. "Be careful, do not try and over exert yourself. We don't know how you made such a recovery or if it's only for a short time."
Twilight nodded, slowly getting up from the metal slab. "Oh, but I do…" She thought, smirking, while remembering her encounter with Perturabo.
When she walked over to the door, Rainbow Dash and Rarity staying close to her, they quickly opened. The moment she stepped out, Twilight was greeted by four Iron Warriors. "Greetings, Lady Sparkle! We are relieved about your swift recovery!" They all said, making her jump.
Rarity leaned in. "These four have been standing guard this whole time… They were part of the squad that tried to shoot the Corsair, but could not because of the explosives." She whispered.
"Their 'redemption' act, as they put it… Zarrix agreed." Rainbow Dash added.
Twilight gave a nod, smirking at an idea. "Thank you, all of you… Would it be alright if you four escorted us to our Master? I do not know where he may be, and fear for my own health on the way."
They all nodded. "Gladly, Lady Sparkle!" They said, before the group headed off… Two of the Iron Warriors flanking Twilight, allowing her to keep her footing by using their arms.
-Irongarde Bridge-
"My lord, it seems a III Legion vessel is trying to hail us." The Master of Vox said, looking around the panel.
"Put them through… I will hear them out." Zarix said, his eyes moving from the planet, to the purple and black vessel to their right.
"Putting them through… Now, my lord." The crewman said, as a green light lit up.
"If it isn't our long time brothers, the Iron Warriors! Come to raid this ripe world too, I presume?" A twisted, rather high, voice asked.
Zarrix felt his skin crawl, he hasn't forgotten what Fulgrim tried to do to their Lord. "Yes, we have… And who, might I dare ask, is hailing us?" He said, a helmeted glare locking on to the vessel.
"I am Captain Narious, of the Emperor's Children Fourteenth Company. I, and my brothers, wished to raid this planet… But discovered its defenses were too strong for our forces." He answered, a sudden glee in his voice. "I cannot tell you how delighted I was, the moment your vessel came on to our scanners."
"And who said we will help? What is stopping me from reducing your ship to nothing but debris in the void, and take the spoils for myself?" Zarrix asked, facing the ship fully. "After all, your Primarch's betrayal hasn't been forgotten."
"Please, brother… We are after same thing. How about we make a deal? You may take all the relics and equipment that is left, while we take the mortals who survive. Sound fair?" Narious asked, hearing how serious Zarrix was about destroying them.
"I will give it some thought." He said, hearing the doors open behind him. "Until I decide, I will let you piss yourself, to wonder if we will fire on you. End transmission!" Zarrix ordered, the crewmen doing as their told. "Master of Arms! Have all batteries put that vessel in their cross-hairs. If it moves, obliterate it."
"Yes, my lord!" The Master of Arms said, relaying his orders to all of the Irongarde's weapon batteries… The grinding of her cannons filling the ship's haul.
Once his orders were carried out, Zarrix turned to see the girls with their escort. "Twilight… It is good to see that you've recovered and walking about." He said, walkingup to the princess. "I didn't want to leave your side, but I was needed once we discovered this world and required supplies."
"I understand, Master… But, if I may ask, what was that threat about?" Twilight asked.
"The Emperor's Children vessel over there." He pointed to the smaller Astartes vessel. "I'll just say… We haven't forgotten how their Primarch lead our Legion to a death trap, nearly killed our Lord, and left us to die; all for the pursuit of power." Zarrix gave a light sigh. "I have half a mind to send them into the void, but we cannot waste the munitions."
"So, the threat was hallow and to make them panic?" Rarity asked, making Zarrix chuckle with a nod.
"We can't waste the munitions, but they don't know that." Zarrix said, looking towards the other vessel. "But, right now, I must decide what to do about them."
Twilight began to ponder about the situation. "Any particular reason why they're here?" She asked.
"They also wish to raid the world, but the defenses are too strong for their forces. They require us to even breach them." Zarrix said, looking back at the three. "Their leader offered that we take what equipment and relics are left, while they take the surviving mortals."
"That doesn't sound all that fair…" Rarity said, looking up at the Terminator. "No telling how much equipment and supplies will survive."
"Which is what I am contemplating. While the mortal lives will be harsh, when brought on board, they'll be better than going with the III Legion." Zarrix said, smirking. "And I just thought of a counter offer."
When the Warsmith motioned for the crewman to hail the III Legoin, their response was quick. "Yes? Have you come with a favorable decision?" Narious asked.
"Yes, with a counter offer. Since you require us to breach, and storm, their defenses… We will take all the surviving equipment and half of the surviving mortals."
"W-What!? But that's absurd! We'll be left with barely anything!" Narious said, his voice making the girls somewhat sick.
"Then have fun raiding this world without us. Once you're all nothing but lifeless corpses, we will take the prize." Zarrix said, smirking at how Narious is grumbling on the other end.
"Fine, you have a deal… And who might we be fighting alongside, for this raid?" He asked, obviously frustrated by the deal they struck.
"Warsmith Zarrix, the Unbreakable. Leader of the Unbreakables Warband and Commander of the Irongarde." Zarrix said, enjoying the Emperor's Children Astartes' frustration.
"We await your assault, Warsmith… Glory to Slaanesh." Narious said, before his vox channel was cut.
"Nicely done, Master… Playing at his weakness was brilliant." Twilight said, smiling up at the Terminator.
"Once you know an enemy's weakness, you exploit it." Zarrix said, facing them again. "A lesson our Lord taught us."
The three nodded, before Twilight remembered something. "Master? What happened to that Land Raider I was attacked for touching?" She asked.
"It is with the other vehicles, just hasn't been converted yet. The Machine Spirit is being difficult." Zarrix answered, tilting his head. "Why do you ask?"
"Before the Corsair attacked, it felt like I could hear it talking. I think the Land Raider was trying to warn me." Twilight said, the Iron Warriors looking at her in disbelief. "I would like to see it again, and at least thank it."
Zarrix gave a nod. "Then I will take you to it." He said, nodding to the four others. "If what you say is true, there is something I wish to try." Twilight nodded, before the girls followed him down the hall, the four Iron Warriors right behind them.
-Within the Irongarde's Vehicle Depot-
The girls couldn't believe everything they saw. There were vehicles and siege weaponry all around them, some making them wonder how anything could stop this single Warband. There was even a large tank with two barrels and extra plating. The tank screamed juggernaut.
When they walked up to the Land Raider Crusader, it was still painted bright yellow with black lines… A black fist on its side. "Here it is, the Techmarines can't seem to get it to respond." Zarrix said, while Twilight walked up to it.
The group watched, as the princess placed a hand on to the haul. Once she touched it, Twilight felt something course through her body. A voice suddenly whispered. "You are different."
Twilight smiled, something told her that it was the Land Raider speaking. "I know… But it is still me. Why won't you respond to them?" She asked, Rarity and Rainbow Dash giving each other confused looks.
"They are Iron Warriors. Won't serve them." The Machine Spirit whispered, Twilight could feel it backing away. "Why are you with them? I can sense the purity within you."
"By accident, but now Zarrix protects my friends and me. Surely you saw him save me from that Corsair?" She felt a strong acknowledgement to her question. "How about this… Don't serve them, how about you help protect me? I'm sure there will be times we'll have to go on to a world, I'll feel even safer with you around."
It took a moment for the Machine Spirit to respond. "I will… But, if I take the Iron Warriors' mark, I will need a new name."
"What is your current name?" Twilight asked.
"Imperial Maiden." He Machine Spirit said.
"Well… How about Iron Maiden?" She asked, an approving response followed. She turned to Zarrix, smirking. "Iron Maiden will respond now, but only when I'm with it."
"Impressive, you're able to commune with the Machine Spirit without cybernetic connections. You keep surprising me." Zarrix said, earning a wide grin from Twilight, while Servitors moved in to make alterations to the Land Raider Crusader.
"Master? When are you planning on attacking that world?" Rarity asked, looking up at the Terminator.
Zarrix pondered the question for a moment. "When my council and I deem it so." He answered, motioning for the group to follow him. "Which we shall discuss it, once everyone has arrived within my chambers."
-Zarrix's Chambers-
The girls took their positions around the warsmith, his leaders gathered in theirs. "As you all know, there is a world ripe for a raid. However, seems a ship from the III Legion wishes for the same prey." Zarrix said, some of the leaders giving groans of annoyance. "Instead of wasting our ordinance, running them off, I decided to allow the small group to join our attack. In exchange, we are taking the equipment and half of those that survive."
One of the leaders stepped forward. "Warsmith, when do we attack? Your warriors are ready."
Zarrix sighed, pondering a moment. "A valid question… It will take time, for our vehicles to be ready." He noted, continuing to ponder the question.
"M-Master? It I may?" Twilight spoke up, earning Zarrix's gaze. "May we watch? I know it'll be dangerous, but the Iron Maiden will protect us… Plus, this could be a chance for me to learn more about siege warfare."
The warsmith looked at the others. "What do you all think?" He asked.
"It will be dangerous, especially with the III Legion around." A Captain said, stepping forward. "Lady Sparkle is also still recovering, from her near death experience."
"While I agree with our brother… We need only arm them, and have the Iron Maiden hold back from the frontlines." Another Captain interjected. "We could also assign a guard detail."
Zarrix gave a nod, his gaze falling to Rainbow Dash and Rarity. "And you two?"
"I think it could be awesome! After all, not it isn't every day we get to see the Iron Warriors in action!" Rainbow Dash said, smirking at the warsmith, who turned his attention to Rarity.
"While I do not wish to dirty my delicate hands…" Rarity said, shrugging her shoulders. "I simply cannot allow my friends to go, while I stay behind."
Zarrix gave a nod, leaning into his throne. "That settle things. They will go." The warsmith points to an Iron Warrior, who had a Servo-Clamp on his back. "Make sure they have gear, and the Land Raider is ready for battle."
The Techmarine gave a nod. "It will be done, Warsmith. However, it will take five days for the Land Raider to be ready."
Zarrix gave a nod. "Then we shall attack in six." He ordered, looking at the group. "Is there anything else?"
"My Warsmith?" Sergeant Malk spoke up, gaining the warsmith's attention. "May I make a suggestion?"
"Speak and be heard, Sergeant." Zarrix agreed.
"Many of our brothers were demoralized, when we failed to keep Lady Sparkle safe." Sergeant Malk started, gaining the whole group's attention. "It would do the Warband good, if they saw she was alright."
Zarrix thought about it, pondering the suggestion, then nodded. "The idea has merit, and I can also inform them of our attack." He agreed, the claws gently tapping Twilight's shoulder. "Call for an emergency meeting, have all of our brothers meet in the cathedral." The leaders saluted him, and rushed off to spread his orders. The girls all let out sighs of relief, once the doors closed.
"I cannot wait to be back home… This is becoming most difficult to handle." Rarity said, looking up at Zarrix. "No offense, darling."
"None taken, Rarity." Zarrix laughed, shrugging. "It is understandable, the three of you do not belong in this world."
The group nodded. "Though, this experience will be very helpful, if Equestria is ever attacked. Learning your tactics opened so many doors for me be able to help." Twilight giggled, still in Zarrix's lap.
"Not to mention awesome!" Rainbow Dash cheered, jumping up a bit. "I-If you don't count Twilight getting hurt, that is…" She added, with a touch of embarrassment for nearly forgetting.
Zarrix nodded, moving his hand away from Twilight. "Agreed… Now, let us head to the cathedral." He said, allowing Twilight to get down from his lap. "I have an idea of what to do to make the display quite the show."
-Irongarde Cathedral-
The Iron Warriors were all gathered within the former Cathedral, which was dedicated to the Emperor. They all fell silent, when Zarrix walked out on to the stage, giving a nod to them all. "I will not waste any time, I wished to inform you all of our upcoming attack." The Iron Warriors began whispers of how they can't wait to work out their frustrations and boredom. "However, I am also here to inform you, the III Legion will be joining us in the attack." When groans were heard, he held up a power claw, silencing them. "I worked out a deal that we gain all the supplies, equipment, and half of the surviving mortals."
"The Third shouldn't get anything from us! We have not forgotten what their Primarch had done!" An Astartes yelled, Zarrix giving a nod.
"I understand, but I rather not waste our ordinance chasing them off… I have also heard you were all demoralize by what happened during the Corsair's Trade." Zarrix noted, making the all the Astartes fall silent, some gripping their gauntlets. "Well then, I have a surprise for you all."
There were whispers of confusion for a few moments before a flash of lavender light exploded in front of Zarrix. They all covered their visors, when they looked back, they all gasped. Now, standing in front of the warsmith, was Twilight! She was wearing her dress and crown, her wings out wide and a smile on her face "H-Hello everyone! I'm back, and fully recovered." She said, the Iron Warriors cheering at her appearance.
"Lady Sparkle!" One Iron Warrior yelled.
"Hah! She has a will of Iron! Not even an Astartes could possibly bring down that mortal!" Another yelled, making Twilight blush at how they were reacting.
Zarrix held up his power claw, causing the Iron Warriors calming down. "Now then, off with you all. We have much to prepare for." He ordered, the Iron Warriors saluting him. "Iron Within!"
"Iron Without!" They all yelled, before leaving, Zarrix looking down at Twilight.
"That includes you, and the others, Twilight. It is late, and we all need our rest." Zarrix said, Twilight looking up at him. "The next few days will be difficult, to the point that even I will require rest tonight just to ensure you three are ready."
Twilight nodded, smiling at him. "Alright, Master." She said, noticing there were still a few Iron Warriors within the Cathedral. "I guess we should go ahead and get back to your chambers." The two then left the stage, Rainbow Dash and Rarity quickly joining them on their walk back to Zarrix's chambers.
-Two Hours Later, Zarrix's Chambers-
Twilight tossed and turned, she was unable to actually sleep. There were many things that plagued her mind. Why did she ask to watch the battle? Why did 'Perturabo' help her? And why did she feel like this, towards Zarrix? None of it made any sense to her!
Twilight got out of bed, wearing the dark purple and gold night gown Rarity made for her. Deciding to return to the main chamber, looking around at all of the trophies again. Her gaze went to Zarrix's door, her heart starting to race. "I wonder what he looks like, under all that armor." She thought, smiling at the different images, even giggling at some. "What the heck." She said, letting out a sigh and walked to the door. "Z-Zarrix? May I come in? Twilight was starting to have second thoughts, about what she was doing.
The moment she turned around, a beep sounded. "Enter." Zarrix's voice called out.
Too late now, Twilight gave a sigh again, and pressed a button, opening the door to his room. "Zarrix?" The room was dark, the light from the chamber lighting being her only way to see anything. "H-Hello?"
When an overhead light came on, Twilight had to look away. "What is it, Twilight?" Zarrix asked, making her look forward… Her mouth falling agape.
"Standing there, with but only a gray robe, was a seven-foot-tall man. His hair was dark gray, militaristic haircut giving him a disciplined look. He had what looked like metal insert points at certain points of his body, but every muscle could be seen. With lack of better words, the man's body was godly. Though, she could see some sort of cybernetics on both sides of his head.
"Z-Zarrix?" Twilight asked, unable to believe what she is seeing.
"That's correct, and if you want more proof?" He pointed to the pieces of Terminator armor near a stand, with servitors around it. "Was there something you needed?"
FWOOMP!
She couldn't hold it back any longer, her face completely red. Twilight's wings were fully open, and she only hoped he didn't know what that meant. "That just happened." Zarrix said, with a raised eyebrow.
"I-I-I…" Twilight couldn't manage to say anything; she was too embarrassed over what happened.
Zarrix walked up to her, allowing Twilight to see how much taller he was. She didn't even come to his chest! "It's alright." He whispered, placing both hands on her shoulders. "You can tell me."
"I-It's just that… I couldn't sleep." She said, still unable to put her wings down.
"Was it the dream again? Is there anything I can do?" He asked, Twilight turning more red.
"It w-wasn't… Though, it is related to it." Twilight stated, shifting her feet. "Don't tell anyone this but… When Flash turned me down, I was crushed. So badly, I didn't want to leave my castle and tried to distract myself by working on a project." She felt Zarrix's grip tighten, her being in that state of mind obviously upsetting him. "But, like I said that night… You made all those things go away."
Twilight placed a hand on to Zarrix's abdomen. She could feel the differences between him and anyone normal. She could even feel two heart beats within him! Though, actually touching his skin, instead of metal, made her know he was alive and not some machine…. Making her heart soar.
"I-I actually t-think… I am in love with you." She admitted, looking up into his green eyes. "You probably think I'm weird and-!"
He suddenly brought her into a tight, and comforting, embrace that made her squeak, in surprise. "I could never think of you like that." Zarrix whispered, his tone couldn't be anymore truthful. "Not in a millennia."
Zarrix's words made Twilight's heart beat faster than she could even think. Summoning up what she could, the princess looked up at him again. "W-Would it be ok… I-If I could sleep… With you tonight?" She asked, starting to smile when Zarrix gave a nod, and motioned to the gray and gold colored bed, the frame built into the floor and wall.
"Like I told you that night, Twilight… For you? Anything." He said, allowing her to get comfortable first, before he joined her in the bed.
To Twilight, that night, was the best sleep she has ever gotten. However, it was rather awkward to explain, when Rainbow Dash and Rarity rushed in that morning, frantic about her being missing… Finding their friend cuddled up, and nuzzling, into the Astartes… And also why she was laying on top of him.