-Chapter Nine-
The city was an abandoned ruin, after their attack so long ago. Zarrix sighed, shaking his head while the others built the defensive fortifications around the temple. Even from where he was at, he could see the heavy lifters taking the portal frame and stabilizers inside, for Twilight to use when she opened the Nexus Portal. Both Rainbow Dash and Rarity were already inside, making sure everything was ready while his Attack Squad were setting up defensive positions within the room. Twilight, though, stood next to the Terminator. "Zarrix? I know your men are strong, and the normal crew helping is good and all, but… Are you sure they, and the armor, will be enough?" She asked, looking at everything being positioned. Even the Iron Maiden was placed near the temple.
When she told it that they were preparing to go home, and needed to defend the temple to do so… The Machine Spirit replied. "Place me where you need me. I will hold back those heretics with the Emperor's Fury."
"I am confident in them, yes. However, I also know what we are up against, as well." Zarrix answered, Twilight giving him a confused look. "Not just Iron Warriors of the now fight this battle, but also those that fell in the past. They have woken from their slumber, and now walk among the living."
"What do you mean by-!" Twilight was interrupted by a few, thunderous, stomps! They were so powerful, she actually bounced off the ground.
When she turned, to see what caused it, her jaw dropped at the site! There were four Dreadnoughts standing behind them, their towering gaze on the two. "Twilight Sparkle, meet the Iron Bulwark. My personal guard, each a venerated battle brother." He motioned to the Dreadnought with duel lightning claws. "Brother Kar." Then the one with a Reaper Cannons for both arms. "Brother Marrix." Then the one with a missile pod and a triple flail arm. "Brother Oithos." And then to the one with a giant lascannon and plasma cannon. "Finally, Brother Nethen. Each one the deadliest we have, within their field of combat."
"Iron Bulwark, ready to serve once more, Warsmith." The four said, at the same time, their voices without emotion.
"Welcome to the waking world, brothers. Our foes are he III Legion, the Emperor's Children." Zarrix told them, the Dreadnoughts looked at each other before looking back at Zarrix. "Our objective is to hold them back, until we are wiped out, the ones we are escorting get home, or Loyalist Astartes arrive to assist. Understood?"
"Yes, Warsmith." They all said together, again.
"Good, position yourselves where you are needed." Zarrix ordered, the Dreadnought taking their leave to the defensive fortifications. "A single Dreadnought, on the battlefield, makes a large difference… And we have around seven prepared for battle."
"Those Emperor's Children do not know what they're up against…." Twilight said, amazed at the giant juggernauts walking away. "No sweat, right?" She asked, the two heading towards eh temple, turned fortress.
"Yes, no sweat what so ever." Zarrix agreed, his eyes flashing red real quick. "They will find out that the IV Legion doesn't bend, like the others."
-Irongard Bridge-
The mortal crew manned the bridge, they couldn't trust servitors with judgement calls for the battle. Many already made their peace, knowing that there is a high chance the Irongarde will be destroyed. None of them cared, the more damage they cause here, in the void battle, the less those on the ground have to deal with.
"Scanners picking up three ships on approach, from the Warp!" A crewman yelled, looking at their console. "Profiles suggest they are the III Legion Warships!"
"All batteries moving to our bow, send the arrival coordinates and I'll place the target vectors for the Servitors." The Master of Arms ordered, the crewman doing as she was told.
"Opening vox channel with the Warsmith." The Master of Vox yelled out, speakers going live. "My lord? They're here, the Irongarde is preparing to engage."
"Acknowledged, Irongarde… It has been a pleasure serving with you all." Zarrix said, over the vox channel. "Happy hunting."
"The pleasure was ours, my lord… We shall take out what we can. Good luck." He Mastre of Vox said, cutting the channel.
"Hostile vessels existing the warp! Shields going up!" The crewman yelled, as the three Emperor's Children vessels came out of their warp jump.
"All forward batteries… Fire!" The Master of Arms yelled, every weapon, able, firing at the three vessels. The sword-class ship was too quick, but the two larger vessels took extensive damage from the sudden attack. "Batteries recharging, preparing for second volley. All stations, prepare for counter attack!"
The crew braced themselves, as the three vessels countered their attack. The Irongarde's shields holding, despite the brutal onslaught. "All generators holding!" The Maser of Engineering yelled, looking over their consoles. "Servitors moving in, to maintain outputs."
"Enemy vessels closing into drop pod and Thunderhawk range! All intercept batteries preparing to fire!" The Master of Arms announced. "We're going to give these warp dust craving bastards something to think about!"
-Orion V Temple-
Zarrix stood within a large room, a detail of fifteen Iron Warriors and the three Minotaur Astartes, as a guard detail for the girls. If the III Legion breached threw their defenses, this was their last defensive line… Each Iron Warrior was considered the best they had to offer. Tactical, Havocs, even a few Assault Marines without jump packs… Every one of them willing to throw down their lives for the girls.
Rarity was with Anlerion, who had just returned to duty, talking about him taking her advice about his armor and if he was feeling alright. Twilight was working with Sergeant Malk, calibrating the portal generator, Kalex standing with her, while Rainbow Dash was checking on the defenders and looking anxious about the upcoming battle. He understood how they all felt, the calm before the storm. Some look forward to such things, others feared it. For Zarrix, such a feeling made him feel… Alive.
"Warsmith!" A Captain yelled over the vox.
"Speak." Zarrix replied.
"Drop Pods and Thunderhawks inbound! Many are trailing with smoke, the Irongarde must be giving them hell up there." The Captain notified.
"Acknowledged." Zarrix switched to an open vox, connected to all of his forces. "To all Unbreakables, both Astartes and mortal, it seems our foes now arrogantly approach. They believe their might is unstoppable, that they can take what they desire. The III Legion believes themselves Masters of the IV Legion, they did so during the rebellion." His voice reached every soldier around the fortifications, their fingers pressing against weapons, eyes locked on the III Legion's landing position. When a mortal soldier started to shake, in fear, an Iron Warrior stepped next to them, and assured them. "But they forget who we are… We are the dreaded IV Legion, the Iron Warriors, and the former Hammer of the Imperium! We are the Masters of Siege, the expert trench diggers! It was our iron fist that brought down the Imperial Palace's walls!"
Predators, Vindicators, Rhinos, and Land Raiders; set their target vectors to the future battlefield, ready to unleash their fury. The Grand Company's Dreadnoughts entrenched themselves, ready to teach the III Legion about real warfare. Havocs and Turret Teams checked their weapons, one last time, knowing their role was vital against advancing armor and infantry.
"Now, Astartes, Mortals, Machines, and Dreadnoguhts; stand together! As one! We are no longer a simple Warband, conducting small raids to keep up our supplies… No, we are the Sixty-Seventh Grand Company, of the Imperial Astartes Legion! Fight bravely, my warriors! For the Emperor!" Zarrix's words continued, Pre-Heresy Iron Warrior and Imperial Banners appearing over their fortifications. "Iron Within!"
"Iron Without! For the Emperor!" The Grand Company shouted, none knowing the Irongarde was transmitting what was being said. The moment the first drop pod, and Thunderhawk, landed… Every weapon roared to life! III Legion Astartes and slaves rushing the fortifications, many being cut down by the barrage of fire. Even their fortification took heavy damage, the defenders didn't care, they held their ground. Even when III Legion Astartes charged a trench, ready to cut down a terrified mortal defender… An Iron Warrior Astartes came to their rescue, killing the Legionnaire. No one fought alone in this battle.
The roar of battle could be heard from Zarrix's position, within the temple. Every artillery shell, friendly and hostile, shook the building's foundation, dust falling from the ceiling. The Astartes there wanted to be out there, to engage their enemy in glorious combat. However, they were needed here, to protect the girls until they go home.
"My Warsmith." An Iron Havoc called out, getting Zarrix's attention. The Havoc had a cybernetic arm and leg, along with an autocannon. "Sergeant Norik… What can I help you with?" Zarrix asked, the girls becoming nervous that he was here.
"Why am I here, Warsmith? I both angered and disrespected you. I should be out there, regaining my honor through a blood price." Norik asked, confused.
"For one, Sergeant, you are one of my deadliest Iron Havocs, especially armed with that autocannon. Second, this is a chance to regain your honor, and pay that blood price." Zarrix said, facing the Sergeant, looking down at him. "Here, we are the last line of defense, for the girls. The moment they come through those doors, we will give our lives to buy them enough time. The III Legion will have to go through us first." Norik was silent, unable to say anything, and nodded. When an artillery round exploded nearby followed by bolter fire being heard. "And it seems they are here. Everyone! Battle Positions! Sergeant Alor, what happened?"
The defense detail rushed to their stations, the havocs and tactical marines readying their weapons. The Assault Marines positioned themselves around the girls, planning to use their thicker plating as a living barrier. Sergeant Alor rushed up to the warsmith. "They brought up Noise Marines, Warsmith! They are being led by Narious!"
Zarrix nodded, his power claws readying for combat, the bolters on them clicking. "Let him come, they will not stand a chance." The Minotaur Astartes stood with the Assault Marines, readying their close combat weapons and bolt pistols. They could hear the invaders just outside the door, along with the clicking of explosives being primed. "Brothers! Prepare yourselves!" When the doors exploded, smoke filled the doorway. "Iron Within!" Zarrix's combi-bolters roared to life.
"Iron Without!" The Iron Warriors replied, their own weapons adding to the deadly funnel. III Legion Astartes began to drop, as they tried to rush into the room. Few barely making inside, Narious being among them, and getting to cover.
They returned fire, melee fighters from both sides rushed at one another. "Brothers! Protect the girls! Do not allow any of them get close!" Zarrix ordered, moving to where he stood as a giant shield for the three. Sergeant Malk, Alor, and Norik, along with Kalex and Anlerion; joined their warsmith. They unleashed a torrent of bolter fire, cutting down any enemy Astartes that got too close.
The portal's doorway suddenly opened up, and stabilized. "It's up!" Twilight announced, putting her arms down, the generator kicking in.
"You three, go! Malk, Alor, Anlerion, and Kalex… Go with them! That's an order!" Zarrix yelled, both him and Norik compensating for the loss of fighters. "Keep them safe… Any Emperor's Children follow, kill them and destroy the generator."
"It has been an honor, Warsmith!" The four shouted, herding the girls to the portal, sending bursts of bolter fire back.
"Z-Zarrix! What about you!?" Twilight yelled, Kalex trying to get her to the portal.
"I will help hold them off…" Zarrix looked back at her, and nodded. "Go on, become the best Princess Equestria ever had, become someone even Star Swirl would idolize… I'll be watching."
Twilight's eyes began to tear up, her emotions taking over. "I-I…. Love you, Zarrix."
"I love you, too, Twilight." He replied, turning back around and grabbing a charging Emperor's Children by the head, crushing it. His eyes were locked on Narious, as he cut down one of the Minotaur, the two leaders staring each other down. "Come, Narious! Find out why I am Warsmith Zarrix, the Unbreakable!" The Terminator challenged, holding his claws out. "And learn, why the IV Legion bows to no one!"
Twilight held her hand out, trying to reach for him, as Kalex carried her through the portal.
-Friendship Castle-
Princess Celestia had joined the others in Twilight's study, looking at the deactivated portal. "I have a feeling, they will be joining us very soon… After over a month of being missing." She said, Spike biting his claws.
"H-How can you be so sure, Princess?" Spike asked, his whole body shaking.
"And ya are sure they're alright, Princess?" Applejack asked, walking up next to the eldest alicorn. "I mean, them dimensional portal things are unpredictable. They could be stuck in some other world, with no way back…"
"Unfortunately, dear Applejack, that is exactly what happened. However, I know they'll be fine. The one they're with is ensuring their safety." She said, as Fluttershy slowly walked up.
"H-How do you know, P-Princess?" She asked, worried about her friends.
"I was able to see what occurs from this, hence why I know they'll return now." Princess Celestia gave a concerned look to the timid pegasus. "However, I am unsure how this will affect them… After all." She looked around, at those that had gathered within the study, mostly the remnants of the Mane Six, Prince Shining Armor, Princess Luna, and Princess Cadence; as she sighed. "No pony knows exactly what happened, or how the portal turned on. I found it impossible to locate them, and their current state-!"
The portal suddenly came to life! The group backed away, fearing that it will claim another. However, when a group of armor clad, bipedal, beings rushed through with Rainbow Dash and Rarity in their arms; they gave a sigh of relief. "Champion! Get her through, quickly!" One yelled out, another rushing through, with Twilight over his shoulder.
"Get her to Anlerion, then help us cover the portal!" Sergeant Malk ordered, joining Sergeant Alor at the portal while Kalex rushed Twilight to the Apothecary.
"No! You have to go help him! Zarrix with die!" Twilight argued, Kalex handing the frantic pony over to Anlerion, then went to help cover the portal.
Anlerion quickly tightened his hold on her. "Princess Sparkle, the Warsmith ordered us to keep this side safe, along with you… He knows what he is doing!" The Apothecary argued, Twilight stopping her fight. This allowed the group to watch the battle unfold, Zarrix massive power against Narious' evasive agility. A battle of opposites. The group of ponies, who were already there, were dumbfounded by what they were seeing. Celestia smiling at the outcome that had occurred.
-With Zarrix-
The warsmith brought his right claw down, trying to crush his foe. However, Narious was far too quick and dodged the attack. When the III Legion Captain tried to slash the Terminator, he was met with a strong defense of tactical dreadnought armor. It seemed like the two could go on for an eternity, exchanging titanic blows and explosive bolter fire. Though, this would not be so.
Zarrix was aware of his brothers falling, one by one. They were being overwhelmed, each death becoming slow motion to the warsmith. When Narious attacked again, the Terminator back handed him and retreated to the portal, joining Norik. "What is wrong, Warsmith? Afraid to face me?" Narious asked, giving a twisted smirk.
"No… I just know what I must do." Zarrix said, turning around and headed to the portal. The chain-link cape was actually deflecting bolter rounds. The warsmith grabbed on to the portal's frame, his grip crushing the metal. "I must destroy the portal!" Zarrix began to pull down the frame, every joint creaking with stress, as he roared in defiance.
"What!? But they won't come back!" Narious yelled.
"To ensure Twilight is safe from you… Then so be it!" Zarrix replied, he could see Twilight fly up to the portal, her friends trying to keep her back. The princess' face was filled with concern.
"No! I will not allow it!" Narious yelled, charging for the warsmith.
Norik jumped in his way, unloading everything he had at the charging Captain. The roar of his autocannon mixed in with his battle cry, Narious evading the hail of bolter fire. When the Captain got close, Norik tried to swipe him with the autocannon's bayonet, but missed. He got a quick glance, before Narious' blade removed the Sergeant's head… His finger tightening and causing the autocannon to fire randomly.
The moment Narious stabbed Zarrix, in a weak point on his back, the warsmith yelled in pain. Zarrix ripped down, causing the portal to discharge! It sent Narious back, while sending Twilight's friends to the other side of her study.
-With Twilight-
"Zarrix!" Twilight screamed, flying closer to the portal.
"No! Stay on your side, Twilight!" Zarrix demanded, causing her to stop. "I-I'm finished… The blade bit deep." He stated reached towards his helmet and removed it. "I'm sorry, Twilight, but this is the end for me."
"N-No… Don't say that, Zarrix." She whispered, looking into his eyes, hers flowing with tears.
Zarrix tossed the helmet through the portal, the piece of armor landing under the mare. "Twilight, I know your heart will hurt far more now… But, listen to me." His eyes locked on to hers, making it hard for the mare not to break down right there. "Your soul must be of Iron… Never let it rust." She nodded, wiping her eyes, and making Zarrix smirk. His next words were ones he hasn't said, fully, in centuries. "Iron Within… Iron Without…."
"From Iron, cometh Strength.
From Strength, cometh Will.
From Will, cometh Faith.
From Faith, cometh Honor.
From Honor, cometh Iron!"
"This is the Unbreakable Litany!" Zarrix yelled, his grip tightening, the portal's frame breaking.
The Iron Warriors, on Equestria's side, placed a fist over their hearts. "And may it forever be so." They finished, Zarrix smiling.
"My Soul is of Iron, and I die the Iron Warriors' way! With glory and honor!" Zarrix shouted before ripping the portal apart! Their side exploding, while Equestria's simply turned off.
"Z-Zarrix…" Twilight said, landing over the Terminator's tusked helmet, curling up around it. "N-No…" She sniffled, holding the helmet close to her. Her friends, and the Iron Warriors, stood around the princess… In silence.