-Chapter Seven-
The past five days were filled with crash courses in combat zones, tactics, Imperial Guard weapons, along with equipment fitting. Thankfully, it wasn't the Techmarines to do the armor fitting, Rarity said that gentlemen should not see a lady naked and did the sizing herself. Now, the three girls were strapped into the Iron Maiden with Zarrix, Apothecary Anlerion, a squad of Iron Warriors, and Kalex at the Land Raider's command throne… The Legionnaire gaining enough favor with Zarrix to be part of his personal attack squad. Each of the girls were wearing some form of Steel Battalion Uniform that was designed just for them, color wise. Many of the Warband commented how it looked like their dresses.
The Land Raider suddenly, and violently, shook which became a sign that they entered the planet's atmosphere, both Rainbow Dash and Rarity tightening their grips. Twilight, on the other hand, remained calm since she was sitting next to Zarrix. "Hold on, everyone. Quick drop in ten… Nine… Eight… Seven…" The Thunderhawk pilot counted down, the groups making sure they were ready. "Three… Two… One!"
The Land Raider hit the ground, hard, before sounds of treads tearing through the ground, while the war machine got closer to the battlefield. "Alright! Only ones, with this squad, I want to stay behind will be Kalex, to drive the Land Raider, and Anlerion, I don't want my Apothecary to get his head blown off." Zarrix looked to the girls. "Do not leave the Iron Maiden, unless it is of dire need." The three nodded, while the Terminator turned to the Land Raider's frontal ramp. "Ready to deploy, Kalex! Lower the ramp!"
"Affrmative, Warsmith." Kalex came back, the ramps slowly lowering and allowing the roars of cannon fire to follow. "Warsmith Squad, deploy!"
"Iron Within!" Zarrix called out, rushing down the ramp with both power claws raised, allowing the combi-bolters to open fire.
"Iron Without!" The squad replied, before they rushed out with him, adding their weapons to the fray, heading towards the frontline, their bolters joining their Warsmith's own bolterfire.
After the last Legionnaire left, the ramp closed back, so not to cause any back lash with nearby explosions. Twilight made her way up to the vehicle's command compartment. "Kalex? May I observe the battle from here?" She asked while the Legionnaire verified the fire controls with the Servitors, manning their weapons.
"Of course, the viewpoints are reinforced, to prevent a lucky shot from getting in." Kalex said, pressing a key and the Iron Maiden's heavy bolters roaring to life. "I've placed us in the perfect observation position."
Twilight nodded, and looked out the viewpoint to see the siege rage on. She saw advancing Legionnaires, taking cover behind Rhinos, Predators, or Vindicators; acting as mobile cover. Those that weren't, had been placed at siege fortifications to batter the city wall. "The Master is choosing to advance with some armor, while his artillery covers them?" She asked, noticing the Terminator fire volleys of bolter fire from his wrist mounted combi-bolters.
"That is correct. It is his preferred tactic, the enemy will focus on trying to silence the siege, barely noticing the advancing infantry." Kalex answered, pressing a few keys to cause the heavy bolter fire to shift across the ramparts.
"Why did he choose this position?" She asked, noticing a group of purple and black Astartes not advancing. "And why are they not moving forward?"
"For some reason, the defenses aren't that heavy at this point." Kalex noticed the Legionnaires too. "Ah, those are the Emperor's Children… Cowards, the lot of them."
Twilight nodded, her eyes examining the wall. Kalex was right, there weren't as many turrets on the ramparts, nor on the wall itself. Her gaze went to the fortification's base, her eyes going wide. "Call them back!" She yelled.
"What? What do you see, Lady Sparkle?" Kalex asked, looking at her.
"The ground is false at the base of the wall! They are walking straight into a trap!" Twilight answered, Kalex looking towards the wall's base, and saw the faint distortion.
He quickly pressed a few keys, a speaker appearing next to Twilight. "Vox Channel up, and connected. You have the green light."
She nodded, and leaned towards the speaker. "All Iron Warriors! Halt your advance, and fall back! I repeat, fall back! You're walking straight into a trap!" The advancing line suddenly halted, the Legionnaires slowly backing up while the armor reversed.
Narious came over the channel. "Who is this? Who has the authority to tell Astartes what to do?"
"Twilight Sparkle, favored servant of Warsmith Zarrix." She replied, hearing a scoff from his end. "There is a giant pit trap at the wall's base, our forces will get slaughtered."
"A mortal? And a slave at that?" Narious replied, his voice filled with venom. "The fearless Iron Warriors are listening to slaves?"
"I trust her judgement. I'm pulling my forces back and resetting our advance accordingly." Zarrix said, the line backing off confirming it.
"You listen to slaves, Warsmith. My forces will push forward." Narious replied, the III Legion forces moving forward! They followed what the Iron Warriors did, using armored vehicles to cover their advance.
"What is this guys doing!?" Rainbow Dash said, joining the two up front. "Zarrix trusts Twilight's judgement for a reason! I thought we were leading this attack anyways?"
"The III Legion are an arrogant group, you can't tell them what to do, many times." Kalex said, watching the Emperor's Children close in on the wall's base. "Even if it means their own forces are slaughtered."
The moment the twisted Legionnaires reached the base, the ground suddenly caved under, forcing both armor and Legionnaires to fall into it. Once the ground stopped breaking apart, several gun turrets turned and began to open fire on those in the holes. "By Celestia…" Rainbow Dash muttered, putting both hands over her mouth. "It is a slaughter…"
Twilight felt horrible, watching every Legionnaire get cut down and have nowhere to go. She wouldn't wish that on anyone. Once they stopped, no movement left, Twilight turned to the vox channel. "I hope you're happy, Narious! You just got almost all your troops killed!"
"Silence, mortal!" Narious yelled.
"No, Narious, you be silent. I'm taking full control of the attack." Zarrix growled, the three could see him taking cover behind a predator. "All orders will be followed by either myself, or Lady Sparkle from my command vehicle!" Confirmations sounded from all over the vox channel, Iron Warriors and remaining Emperor's Children. "Alright, Twilight, I can't get a good view. What can you see?"
"Their forces are slowly reinforcing the ramparts left of the hole." She said, noticing extra movement and weapon systems on that part of the rampart. "I suggest focusing all of our firepower at that point. I have a feeling that there is something important there, they are trying to deter us from going near it."
"Affirmative." Zarrix said, Kalex already aiming the Land Raider. "All artillery! Target that portion of the wall, and open fire!" He ordered, the vehicles halting their barrage, adjusting their vectors, then restarted their onslaught.
The rampart exploded from the amount of artillery hitting it! The moment a cluster of turrets were destroyed, Rainbow Dash jumped up. "Alright! Hit them hard, boys!" She cheered, the Iron Maiden unloading its own barrage. "Heh, yeah, now the Iron Maiden is showing whose boss!"
"Rainbow Dash, if you don't mind? Kalex and I need to concentrate." Twilight said, making Rainbow Dash blush.
"Oops, sorry…" She apologized, backing up. "I'll just go see what Rarity and Anlerion are doing."
-Iron Maiden's Troop Hold-
"Oh, yes, darling, you should add more red to your armor." Rarity said, eyeing Anlerion's armor design. "It would bring out the grey and white a lot more."
"I will take your suggestion into consideration, Lady Rarity." Anlerion said, laughing a bit while Rarity sat on one of the seats, her legs crossed.
"Hey guys, what are you two doing?" Rainbow Dash asked, walking up to them.
"I am working on my medical equipment, while Lady Rarity is giving me advice on my armor design, Lady Dash." Anlerion said, nodding to her.
"Are you expecting a lot of casualties, Anlerion? I mean, there must be a lot of Apothecaries out there." Rainbow Dash asked, watching the senior Apothecary work on his wrist mounted tools.
"You would be correct, Lady Dash." Anlerion started, a clam extending then retracting. "However, I must be prepared for anything."
Banging was heard against the Land Raider's haul. "We need an Apothecary! Our brother is dying!" An Astartes shouted, continuing to bang against the haul.
"Like I was saying, prepared for anything." Anlerion said, walking over to the front ramp. "Kalex! Open the ramp! A brother is in need of medical attention!" The ramp slowly started to open, not quite showing those outside yet. "What happened? How badly are they-ARGH!" The Apothecary suddenly took several bolter rounds to his shoulder, chest, and hip; falling back.
"Yes, seems our 'brother' suffered a few bolter rounds to his torso." An Astartes said, wearing purple and black Mark IV Maximus armor, as he cackled. "What lovely slaves, the Warsmith has!" The Astartes said, holding his curved sword out, bowing, before the three III Legion Astartes walked on to the Land Raider.
Rarity rushed over to the fallen Apothecary, checking to see if he was still alive, while Rainbow Dash stood between them. She glared at the Astartes, taking a fighting stance. "Who do you think you are, ya jerk!?" She growled, making the Astartes place a hand over his chest.
"My, what an attitude!" He said, cackling a bit. "And where are my manners? I am Captain Narious, of the Emperor's Children Fourteenth Company." Narious pointed his sword at the two girls. "Now, where is Lady Sparkle? I can already tell you're the one who had the gull to insult me… But my business is with the one that made me look like a fool."
Rainbow Dash stood her ground, despite having a twisted sword pointed at her. "Like I'll tell you where Twilight is!" She said, before someone decided to pick the worst time to check on them.
"Girls! We heard the gun fire, what happen-… Oh Celestia! Anlerion!" Twilight yelled, about to run over, but stopped the moment Narious pointed his sword at her.
"Ahh, I would assume you are Lady Sparkle?" He cackled, walking towards her, one of the Astartes walking with him while the other kept his bolter trained on Rainbow Dash and Rarity. "This saves me the trouble of looking for you…. Now, to make you pay for making me look like a fool!" He prepared to swing the blade at her, but sudden bolter fire blasting from behind Twilight slammed right into the Astartes to his right! His helmet exploded to bloody shards, and the rest of his body fell back.
"I wouldn't do that, if I were you." Kalex said, appearing from behind Twilight, holding his bolter over her head and kept it trained on the remaining Astartes. "I've already contacted the Warsmith, the moment we heard bolter fire. He's on his way now."
"Damn… But what is to stop me from killing the three of them and you?" Narious asked, the other Astartes suddenly pointing his bolter at Kalex. "After all, we out number you."
"The fact, if you do, the Warsmith will eradicate your forces and destroy your ship, if you so much as look at her wrong?" Kalex pointed out, motioning to Twilight, making Narious second guess himself. "Again, he's also on his way, with three squads of Astartes. Back off." He demanded.
Narious slowly nodded. "You do have a point… Grab our brother, and let's go." The Astartes nodded, and started to drag the dead III Legion Astartes while Narious looked at Twilight. "You are an interesting creature, Lady Sparkle. We'll see one another again." With that, the intruders left… The way he said her name, made Twilight's skin crawl.
Moments later, Zarrix rushed in with nearly twenty Iron Warriors. "Are you alright!? Is anyone-... Anlerion!" He roared, rushing into the Land Raider. "Get another Apothecary, quickly!" Zarrix's helmeted gaze went to Twilight. "Who did this, Twilight?"
Twilight quickly relaxed, knowing she was safe now. "It was that Narious…" She started, looking up at him. "He was going to kill all of us, but Kalex jumped in and killed one of them." The warsmith wrapped one of his power claws around her, giving a sigh of relief.
"Thank the Iron Lord…" He muttered, looking to Kalex. "Call the retreat… We will leave the III Legion to their fate for this!"
"Yes, my Warsmith." Kalex said, turning to head back to the command throne.
"And Kalex…" The Legionnaire stopped, looking back at his warsmith. "When we return, report to my chambers. I have a reward for your loyalty." He nodded, resuming his previous orders.
-Back on the Irongarde, after the Iron Warriors' retreat-
"All forces have been recalled, my Warsmith." Sergeant Alor said, walking next to the Terminator.
"According to the Techmarines, all vehicles are accounted for, very few are damaged." Sergeant Malk added, scanning the dataslate. "Apothecarion reports that Anlerion is stabilized, but will be out of commission for a few days."
Zarrix nodded, as they headed for the bridge, a few of his entourage were there, Kalex gone to his Chambers with Rarity and Rainbow Dash. He kept Twilight close, so much that he was practically carrying her. "Good. We'll just raid the next supply vessel we come across. We have enough to hold our ground, even during a siege." He stated, the bridge doors opening. "Status report!"
"All munitions primed and ready, my lord!" The Master of Arms announced.
"Navigation and Navigator awaiting your orders, my lord!" The Master of Navigation announced.
"Vox Channels are clear, and communications are clear, my lord." The Master of Vox announced.
"Our supplies are set, and will last us for three more months, my lord. Supply run is suggested." The Master of Logistics suggested.
"Irongarde systems are in the green. No trouble detected, my lord." The Master of Engineering announced.
"Good, we will make a supply run to-.." Zarrix said, before one of the crewman spoke up.
"My lord! Priority message coming over the vox channel!" The Master of Vox turned around. "Shall I put it through?"
Zarrix gave a nod, the Master of Vox pressing a few keys, and the bridge speakers coming to life. "Oh, dear Warsmith! Are you leaving the party so soon?" Narious asked, the Terminator's hand tightening, as Twilight glared at the vessel in their view. "Because of your sudden retreat, I had to pull my remaining forces back."
"When you attacked my command vehicle, injured my senior Apothecary, and threaten to kill my favored slave?" Zarrix growled, causing Twilight to flinch at his roughness. "Give me one reason why I shouldn't obliterate your ship!"
"Oh, dear Warsmith, easy! Because you should be using this time to escape, instead of risking wounding your ship." Narious answered, the entire bridge becoming confused. "By the silence, I take it my answer confused you? Well then, allow me to elaborate… Before you arrived, I called for reinforcements from my Legion. Thanks to your delay, their ships should be arriving anytime now."
The bridge was suddenly in an uproar of orders and requests. "Check the scanners, now! I want to know if any ships are on approach from the Warp!" Zarrix ordered, crewman checking every scanner.
"My lord!" One yelled, Zarrix looking towards them. "I have two, large, ships on the scanners! They are on approach from the Warp, destination will be behind the III Legion vessel!" They announced, frantically pressing keys. "Scanners show, against all three ships, the Irongarde will not stand a chance!"
"Turn the ship about! Now!" Zarrix ordered, walking up to the main consoles. "Get us out of here! Warp jump us somewhere far away from here!" He pointed to the Master of Navigation. "Tell the Navigator, I do not care, just get us out of here!" They nodded, the Irongarde's alarms blaring all across the ship.
Narious began to laugh, over the vox. "I bet you have already figured out I wasn't going through with our deal, dear Warsmith. Though, I cannot have your ship destroyed." His voice became sick, and twisted. "There is something about those three slaves of yours… They will make wonderful offerings to the Prince of Pleasure."
"Cut the transmission, now! Before that snake utters any words of that vile tongue!" Zarrix demanded, the speakers shutting off, silencing Narious mid-laugh. By now, the Battle-Barge had fully turned around, the shields covering the view ports. "Is everything ready?"
"Ready for jump, my lord." The Master of Navigation replied. "Navigator awaiting your orders."
"Then get us out of here!" Zarrix yelled, warning alarms sounding about incoming fire.
Luckily, the Irongarde warp jumped right before it was hit.
-Zarrix's Chambers-
Both Rarity and Rainbow Dash were holding to Kalex's side, the Astartes had mag-locked his boots to the floor. Needless to say, the sudden warp jump and rapid movements wasn't too smooth. "Oh, Celestia… What has gotten into him, forcing such brutish movements with the ship?" The fashionista holding on tighter, as the ship made a sudden turn.
"The movement matches our tactics while being pursued by enemy ships…" Kalex said, bracing the two with his hands. "Though, I don't know of any Imperial Guard vessels crazy enough to chase an Iron Warriors Battle-Barge on their own."
The door suddenly opened, making the three look to see Zarrix, with Twilight. "Because they are not Imperial Guard vessels." Zarrix said, the two walking in. "Two III Legion Battle-Barges were entering the system. If you include the Sword-Class, we were out gunned."
"I take it those snakes were planning to double cross us, then?" Kalex asked, earning a nod from the warsmith. "Thought so… Never trust them, the Night Lords, or the Alpha Legion… No honor among any of them."
"Yes, now we are being pursued. That Narious wants to make these three offerings to that Daemon God of his." Zarrix added, Kalex tightening his grip.
"He'll have to get through me-… The Warband first." Kalex said, hoping his mistake wasn't caught.
But, it was. "You? I'll have to agree. However, your current armor wouldn't stand a chance against them." Zarrix walked up to the Legionnaire, towering over him. "Your loyalty to me, and the girls, has been proven time and again. You showed this by defying your squad's Sergeant, and even willing to take on four other Astartes… Killing one."
The girls just watched, and listened. "What is he going to do?" Rainbow Dash asked, Rarity just shrugged her shoulders, while Twilight knew…. The moment Zarrix mentioned Kalex's armor not standing a chance.
"I think I know." Twilight whispered, the three backing up, and noticing how worn down Kalex's armor was. "Just watch."
Zarrix lifted his left power claw up, and placed it on the Legionnaire's shoulder. "For this… I pass my old armor on to you, along with my bolter and power-sword. Your actions and loyalty have proven you worthy of it." He said, the Legionnaire being at a loss of words.
"M-My Warsmith!" Kalex stuttered, looking at the relic armor, then back to the Terminator. "A-Are you sure? Such an honor should be reserved for one of your commanders, I am merely a Legionnaire."
Zarrix nodded, removing his hand. "That may be so… But I, too, was but a Legionnaire when given a Company of Astartes." He said, Kalex looked at him with disbelief. "Having service is good, but that alone does not earn rewards. One's deeds do."
Kalex thought about it, for a moment, then nodded. "I understand, my Warsmith." He suddenly knelt down. "I accept your gift, and any responsibilities that come with it."
"Then, adorning this armor, makes you my right hand. Due to this, the protection of Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Twilight Sparkle; falls to you, as well." Zarrix explained, looking down at the Legionnaire. "Adorning this armor, you will be the Unbreakable Champion."
"I accept these duties and responsibilities, my warsmith. So long as you see me worthy, I shall always give beyond my best." Kalex swore, looking up at the Terminator. "And no harm shall befall the three."
"Then rise, Champion. Take your armor, and learn the secrets I hold." Zarrix ordered, Kalex standing up and walked over to the armor. "Secrets… You will learn after adorning my armor." Servitors around the Maximus armor suddenly coming to life, starting off with removing Kalex's armor.
-After Kalex Adorned the Maximus Armor-
The Servitor, slowly, lowered the helmet on to Kalex's head, sounds of it sealing followed. Once it was attached, the armor started to activate, running through internal systems and the Astartes wearing it. After it was finished, the helmet's eyes lit up red, and allowed Kalex to move. He walked up to Zarrix, combi-bolter in his right hand, power-sword swinging from his hip. Kalex saluted the Terminator. "Kalex, the Unbreakable Champion, reporting for duty, my Warsmith."
Zarrix gave a nod, the girls clapping at his ascension within the ranks. "Well done, darling!" Rarity said.
"Oh yeah! Someone is ready to kick butt!" Rainbow Dash cheered.
"Congratulations, Kalex!" Twilight added.
"Thank you, girls…" Kalex said, looking to the warsmith. "I am ready, when you are, my Warsmith."
"Hold your questions, until the end, my Champion." Zarrix said, Kalex nodding, before both of their lenses lit up… The girls not seeing that Zarrix was transferring data, Kalex was receiving and reviewing said data.
Once their lenses dulled, to a normal glow, Kalex stepped back in surprise. "M-My Warsmith, w-what does this." He looked towards the girls. "A-Are they…"
Zarrix gave a deep nod, then looked to the three. "Girls, introduce yourselves… Properly." He asked.
They all nodded, Rainbow Dash starting. "Rainbow Dash! Fastest Pegasus in Equestria, future Wonderbolt, and Element of Loyalty!" She boasted.
Rarity stepped forward, flipping her hair. "Miss Rarity, Ponyville's top fashionista and Element of Generosity."
Twilight then stepped forward, bowing her head to the Champion. "Princess Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship and the Element of Magic." She ended, smiling at him.
Kalex was, once again, speechless! Right before him, were these cartoon characters that kept his Warsmith sane, this entire time! His knees became weak, the Astartes soon found himself kneeling before them. "I-It is an honor, to meet three of the Elements of Harmony." He said, looking up at them. "How did you three get here?"
"We don't know that, actually. I was testing a portal theory, something happened, next thing we know… The three of us were in that alleyway, as humans." Twilight answered.
Zarrix stood next to Kalex, looking down at him. "Ever since they joined us, I have been trying to find a way to send them home." He looked at the girls. "Now, that solution is needed more than ever."
Kalex looked between him and the three girls before nodding. "What about the world we found them on? Surely there was a reason for it." He suggested, Zarrix thinking for a moment. "What was its name again?"
"Orion V." Zarrix said, nodding. "You have a point, but we can't waste time building a portal."
"Maybe not…" Twilight said, causing the Iron Warriors to look at her. "If we can locate a nexus point, where the magic builds up, I can possibly open a portal to our world. We have them all over Equestria, and I bet there may be a strong enough one on this 'Orion V'." She gave them a smile. "Once we find it, just build a frame and stabilizers, then I can get it up."
"Sounds like a good plan, but there is still one question." Zarrix said, the group looking at him, now. "How do we find it?"
"Easy! Magic can find Magic." Twilight said, mater-of-factly. "Once there, allow me to concentrate… Then I'll find it. With my alicorn powers back, I could probably locate it with ease, especially since there isn't much magic flow in your dimension, which will make it shine brighter."
The two nodded at her. "That also leaves us with another problem, my Warsmith." Kalex said, looking at the Terminator.
"What is the other problem, Kalex?" He asked.
"The Warband." He blatantly answered, before continuing. "They will wonder why we returned to a decimated world… Then why Princess Sparkle is leading us to a… 'Nexus Point'."
Zarrix gave a sigh, nodding. "Leave that to me." He stared, looking at the girls, they smiled up at him. No one said anything else, even as Zarrix opened a channel to the bridge. "This is the Warsmith…. I require all Asartes, and mortal crew not currently employed at vital positions within the ship, to report immediately to the ship's Cathedral."