Chapter 40
Humanity rules the stars. I did not understand that till later in life. They have beaten us at the great game. They think outside the box we are stuck in. But my race mistrusts them because of their so called tyrant. The Emperor. But to those of us who officially interact with them through their station and from what my boss's opposite in Ambassador Venchenko says. He is wrong. We are not winning when it comes to Asari and Quarians. I am winning because I have found a partner who treats me extremely well and does not think less of me for my maiden years. She loves me and I her. It is why I have resigned my position as the second aide to our Ambassador and have applied for imperial citizenship. I have no regrets.
Former aide Gelira on why she left Citadel Space M3
The Citadel must never be entered or touched by humanity. You and everyone else knows why. This is a decree from the Emperor and anyone who disobeys this is a species traitor. No clemency will be given. No excuses and no exceptions. The Reapers are vermin, and they will not taint our golden age.
Inquisition memo posted to the Noosphere after first materium contact.
Ardat Yakshi monastery.
Falere feels truly complete. Issei had shot her last night. It was strange but now she hears Sol Invictus whispering to her. And Athame. Falere is still pissed at the Goddess. But that is lessening. Falere is Sol's now and forever. But her goddess is not mad at Falere for that. Falere is also thankful. She is the seventh now truly. All thanks to a very vulgar Quarian. Falere had praised the Sun there. Was the best part of her day.
The group is now ten. All Ardat Yakshi. All dreamed of their freedom. Issei truly will be the Breaker of Chains. He had told her that the gene smiths have found a possible origin point for the gene. And they would work their way from there. The others had been ecstatic. To know that was possible and that they might have a cure. It brought hope to them all. Especially the newest member of the group.
Alera was confused when her father had said that there was a group she should try and join. Titus had been amazing with her. Never left her side unlike her bitch mother. She had asked why, and Titus had simply said she will see things that are supposed to be impossible. But that it was absolutely true. So Alera asked to stay for a session. She listened to the one they were calling the priestess of the Sun.
The other Asari was not arrogant. Nor did she preach loud like a demagogue. She simply sat with each person and asked how they were. Alera felt that was what a true priestess should be like. Not like the bitch in her last prison who made the Yakshi feel horrible by saying that they deserved the gene and that there was no cure coming for demons like them. How Athame hated them and was right to give them the curse. Alera was asked about her life before the monastery. Why she felt like she deserved death. Alera had answered truthfully. And was not ridiculed or poked at cruelly.
It is why she had begun to praise the sun. The bringer of their doom. The guards had been nervous about that when the new spoke that. But Falere said it was not an escape attempt. But rather a mantra for people who wished to sail the void. The guards had still been nervous. One had prepared her baton. But the new connection between Falere and her species' goddess had reached through her and spoken to the guard who was not reaching. That guard had been the friendliest to the group. She stopped her comrade.
"They are not preaching doomsday shit. Stop what you are doing before you do something that will just lead to more resentment. You are new to this, but I have been here the longest and they are not like the thevas who blew up that building last week. Try it and I will have you reported to the warden. We are not like your old monastery. We have standards here. Falere just keep your people from saying that again."
"I will. Thank you."
Alera was chastised gently for that. But told she can say that in private. The new member expected to be made a pariah for almost getting them in serious trouble. But her sisters did not do that and told her softly they did the same too. That they wished to be the bringer of their people's enemies doom. That made Alera like them even more. They were a true sisterhood of faith.
Falere speaks with the warden to reassure her more. The warden is not upset and knows after all this time this cult is not a doomsday cult.
"The guard will be spoken to. You and your group have done good things for the monastery. Your unofficial counselor ship has stopped five suicidal people and they have not joined your group. I am not going to have the guards leave. But they will be told that your group is fine to stay. I find your cult amusing and you all believe in a very silly idea. But your not harming anyone so I am fine with your group."
Falere bites her cheek at the condescending tone. But knowing she and the others will be free and that she gets the best partner in the galaxy makes the coming day of vindication that much sweeter. The rest of the group feels the same way. Alera likes this place better. The old warden from her last prison was not bad but she had let too much shit go. Titus had genuinely thought that place was shit. But the prisons for Yakshi are mostly good. That one was the exception.
The matriarch that financed that place was an extreme nut case because while she was a very devoted Athame worshipper she hated Yakshi for very personal reasons. Told the priestess to make the lives of the Yakshi hell. The doctor there had reported that month alone six Yakshi had committed suicide. They had an extranet communication channel. Titus had told that doctor that his place was seeing sharp declines in suicide rates. The other doctors asked how that was. Titus had been poked softly then by Palaven. The psyker had been groggy before saying.
"A new religious group has formed here. It is not a doomsday cult, and I can say that with certainty. One of their number was a massive mess but she has really turned around. The group helps me by giving the really troubled ones here someone to talk to. They do not preach. Just talk. The ones who are troubled just take the advice and are not pressured to join. The group is really the reason."
Falere is surprised the next day when she is pulled into a call with three Yakshi from another monastery. There is a doctor in the call too. The Salarian explains to the four that he wants to run an experiment on this to see if this can help his charges. The three new Asari are suicidal. But Falere gently asks them things. The oldest is a matriarch who has been there for most of her life. The youngest is a maiden who is almost three weeks in on her stay. Falere talks to them. The matriarch is very doubtful. But the maiden latches onto her new friend. The matron is the closest to wanting the abyss. But Falere tells her of Sol Invictus.
The two young ones like the ideas. The matriarch is scoffing at the ideas, but she feels a thing upon seeing the sun pendant. Hope renewed. She does agree to a second meeting. The matron becomes her monastery's first Sol Invictus. The maiden just likes her new pen pal. She wants to join the cult too. But she is hesitant. Falere gently said they are friends regardless.
Lithuanian border Russian military base 3 days before Sona's wedding.
The Water Dragons make their true entrance to the Unification Wars. The base is next to a lake and Sona with two Water Dragons cast a ritual circle and the three marines including Malcolm prepare their moves. With them are the Vostroyians and three other regiments. All Russians. They are veterans of the east. They carry Ollanius flags along with the new finally agreed flag of new Russia. An Aquila with the old federation colors.
Mark 001
The bases forces are nervous mainly because they are close to Saint Petersburg. They are happy for not being on the frontlines. Yet. The Germans and Poles are growing ever closer, and they have mech walkers. Plus, more las guns and armor. The base is shocked when a massive tidal wave started from the nearby lake and the wave slams onto the base. Then a freak winter storm in autum comes and freezes the vehicles and many guns solid. The government forces are shivering and that is when the attack begins.
Vostroyians and Imperial Russians make their move commanded by Water Dragons. The Guard hack through the fences and make four holes in the perimeter facing the lake. They immediately set up defensive positions and las machine guns are brought up. The Russian government forces are hit with the shock when a second wave hits from rapidly melting snow and causes a steam cloud over the advancing imperials. The green eyes of the Guard can see through the mist. Same with the Water Dragons.
Mark 002-015
"Forward we march for Macragge!"
The Water Dragons urge their fellows on. The guard are eager for a place on the ship. They are hoping to be on the ship by this time next year. One regiment is especially eager because they are mostly Mechanicus soldiers, and they have heard that they can form a new skitarii maniple. They have a name. The Mons 1st. They want Mars.
The Russian government forces tried three times to throw back the entry points. But the steam and the las machine guns make the situation worse for them. Water Dragons appreciate grandma teaching them magic. They like the many applications that they thanks to their few geneseed parts can make hundreds of thousands of new theoreticals. They also like their name more. The ritual is done, the two marines and Sona advance to Malcolm. They have made a recently cleared ammo holding place their front line command.
Malcom knows ten languages thanks to his training, and he is coordinating the Guard. The second legion has adopted something from Fulgrim. Their presence inspired the regular troops a lot. The second legion enjoyed fighting with the regular forces because they are very connected to them. The Alpha Legion is more spec ops and while they do work with regular forces they get more done by themselves. The last two centuries of Roboute's life often commanding regular forces has bled to his new sons. They will help with that.
Two tanks power up after being defrosted and they roll forward. But a Water Dragon with a plasma rocket launcher his size fired. The dual rockets fired gutted both tanks cooking the crews. The imperials moved up and the Russian government forces are not happy or having fun. A force of branded are moved by a Serpent and they power up and throw gear powers at the marine. Blades and several other powers hurtled into the power armor and leave a few scratches. Eric's brothers fired a new gun made especially for branded. A savior pattern bolter that fired a small counter brand that immediately reversed the brand. Four gentle barks and the small needle pokes the branded and their blank eyes suddenly turned focused. They blinked and then turned on their former handler. A lightning user cooks the Serpent. The other freed branded drop their comrades to the floor before more barks happened and the remaining branded are freed.
Mark 016-035
The Russians are horrified further when Lithuanians attack their rear with more guns and rockets. They have committed two regiments to the Guard from their best soldiers. They pushed to help the Imperial advance and their country gets German regiments to help a possible invasion be prevented. The Baltic states are ready now for the Imperium.
The pincer movement is crushing the Russian government forces. The base commander is attempting a breakout and he and four companies of troops do get out and they run on defrosted Apcs. The remaining units are starting to surrender. The Water Dragons are heading into a prison that the government was using for the Serpents. Another hundred people are freed. And two brands are destroyed. Sona enjoys a plan coming together and Malcolm gets a hug from grandma.
"Excellent work. I am proud of you five. This plan was well done and executed perfectly. Your gene father will be proud of you."
That was said over their vox. The marines are proud of their first true combat record. This will be enshrined in the legion's history. They enjoy the new plan for the wedding.
Migrant fleet Neema. Sector unknown.
Zaria cannot believe how many things are now brighter. Suits and hoods. The lights and the sounds of the Neema. She felt Issei in her always building walls and they snarked at each other. They were extreme mood kindred. He got a person who saw his very well hidden sarcasm. She got a thick skinned man who was not easily offended by her vulgar personality. They were wonderful for each other. Zaria also has seen the Ai.
She freaked out at that. But Issei showed her something about the Geth. Their first real question.
"Does this unit have a soul?"
That shook her deeply. That was not the vastly accepted view that was passed down to them. The Quarians believed the first thing the Geth said to them was.
"Kill protocols activated."
Zaria is horrified. This destroyed her life view on them. She had never considered the Geth anything other than lesser beings. Like Varren. Pests. But the Morning War played out for her. The Quarians who had fought. Those who believed the Geth had souls. The heartless Government who had killed millions of Geth who never fought back till their realization that they would be annihilated if they continued their pacifism. The reluctance to kill their creators. But the fact that a faction of ultra extreme Geth had tried to truly genocide them but had been destroyed by the moderates. This had let thousands more Quarians get away. Zaria saw that one of her ancestors had fought with the Geth against them. He had been a partial psyker. He saw that the Geth had souls.
Ones starting to form. That ancestor had died protecting Geth from his own family. That ancestor was actually remembered by the Geth. A saint in their small religious sect. A big part of the reason her goddess had not weakened more. Zaria questioned everything. But Issei held her. Told her that the Ai of humanity had souls. That they were his children too. Zaria had been silent for a while. But reality was not what she had thought she knew.
She horrified her father and mother. She joined the reconciliation faction. The leader was surprised. Asked why a diehard Zorah had switched to his pariah group.
"We are wrong. Extremely so. I have thought about this. I serve a new idea. The Omnissiah. The creator of machines. The great cog of creation."
The other Quarian had been interested in that. What was the Omnissiah? Zaria shared her gift of visions. The other Quarian watched the Omnissiah. Making the first Ai. The opposite of them. He loved his creations. The souls there were real. He was real. The Great Work. The Quarian dropped from the vision. He looked at Zaria. He whispered in a hope.
"Show me the Omnissiah more. The avatar of the Machine God. The greatest scientific mind in our galaxy."
The Cult Mechanicus spread. Slowly. And only within this small group. There were less than five hundred of them throughout the fleet. Pariahs in the extreme. Quarians who always felt something was off about their history. They slowly learned the Omnissiah. Slowly began to desire new dreams. Zaria was their first Fabricator. But she gave it to the first shown the Omnissiah.
"Follow him. Not I. I was not like you all. I came late. It should go to the one among you who believed first in reconciliation. I wish to see Rannoch again. But we will have more. The Omnissiah will save our lives by his actions. I will never be worthy of him. I who mocked you all."
The Mechanicus Quarians are humbled by that. That the voice of the Omnissiah thought she would never be worthy of the dream. She was embraced into their community. Her father was an Admiral on the Admiralty Board. He demanded she give up the delusions of reconciliation. Zaria stood her ground. She was not afraid anymore.
"Exile me from the family if I bring you that much shame. I look up to you. But I am not giving this up. I am not going to leave them. We are wrong. We have been so very wrong."
Ralis Zorah is scared for his daughter. Reconciliation Quarians are the bottom of the fleet's social hierarchy. They are ostracized. They were secluded on two small ships where they were only allowed to stay with their people because they were Quarians. To join them is considered social suicide. He does not want his daughter to have that. He had been suppressing the news. His wife was scared too. He did not want to exile her. Zaria was the best scavenger of derelict ships in most of the fleet. She had always been able to tell if a ship was salvageable or not. She was an excellent migrant marine. But this could destroy her. Their board seat was because of their old ties to the ancestors. The Zorah's had been there for as long as the fleet had been a thing.
Ralis hugged his daughter.
"I see I cannot shake you from this. Why did our bravery show in this? I am not exiling you. I am just worried for your future. I know you do not want the seat. But do not do this."
"I have to."
"Then keep it quiet. Zar I do not want you to lose everything because of this. I am just worried."
Zaria wants to shout it over the fleet. But Vheia cautioned her. Said to believe. But work for reform. Fight to gain them acceptance. She wants to be worthy of her stupid noble human. Her Cog. But he made sacrifices for her and everyone else. He was amazing. She will never be worthy of him. A Quarian who had blindly accepted the discrimination and the ostracism of the reconciliation faction. The one who had mocked them openly. Issei whispered to his sniper that he did not care about the past. Make the future. Be better. Zaria wants to be worthy of him. The Omnissiah. She will be better and not dwell on the shame.
"I will stay silent. But they are right papa. I do not want the seat. But I will take it up soon. I know you are ready to retire. But the ostracizing has to end. I am going to be worthy of him."
Ralis does not understand that last part. Worthy of who? Zaria touched her father's hand. And the visions started.
Warp new battlefield in the War in Heaven.
Ashwatthama is looking at two dead champions of Loki's. The worms had been using Sun Elf prisoners as meat shields again. The Norse were becoming degenerative diseases. They were abusing their prisoners. The few who the Senate were able to save always were missing body parts. Loki was using them to create new monsters for the war.
The war was still undecided. But gains were slowing on both sides. The next realm of the nine had been attacked. The Dark Elves had suddenly been attacked by Loki. A grudge against their king. The same genocide was committed. This time the Dark Elves scorned the offers of help. They fought and were being killed to the last elf. The Jotuns had declared their allegiance to Loki fully. Their armies enjoyed the meat from the Dark Elves. That had finally been the straw. Two hundred children were sent to the Senate. Their single adult caretaker was an old crone. She had asked for asylum.
The Dark Elves throw everything into an assault that badly bloodied Asgard. But their race died to the last elf on Svartsheim. That world became the next battleground. The Senate faced thousands of stitched together corpse monsters here. Even in death the near dead race served and fought. The Asgard were adapting their strategy and tactics. New armor was being deployed and it was dropping the kill rates. New arrows and even the first imitation weapons were starting to show up. And Fenrir howled in pain and blind rage. He had killed three Senate Champions. None were great. But they were the first.
Team Vali was up two more temporary members. Frola had joined to be with her bird. The other new member was a space marine. An Alpha Legion member named Louis. He just said to call him Alpharius though. He like his many brothers is a troll. He does not carry a chainsword. He brings a shovel.
The marine claims to be the greatest Champion of a hopeful new aspect soon. Shovel-Chan! The rest of the team does not know if he is serious or if he is fucking with them. You could never tell with the Alpha Legion. Kuroka was vastly amused and asked about Shovel-Chan. The marine was happily telling them about the greatest melee weapon ever! The nearby Kriegers cheered hearing about their living brothers and sisters and their shared love of Shovel-Chan.
Senate of the Gods.
Hecate blinks as a new aspect formed. The god is not human. It is a shovel with legs and arms. And a face on the shovel blade. Worse it is wearing a magic girl outfit.
Shovel-Chan knows her purpose. To show the galaxy the might of the shovel and its eternal strength! Two more Senate members are sweat dropping at the new aspect.
"Never fear Shovel-Chan is here! I will beat the meanies with my new wand of magic!"
Shovel-Chan draws a magic wand also in the shape of a shovel. She rushed off to help in Olympus. The assembly who had seen the new aspect all foamed at the mouth and then fell over and started twitching.
Svartsheim.
Louis freezes. Team Vali looks at him in worry. Before the marine started to cry and raised his shovel high.
"Shovel-Chan is here my Krieger kin! We did it Reddit!"
The Kriegers go nuts and are happy! The rest of the Senate forces sweat dropped and stepped away from their comrades. Kuroka is belly laughing. She really likes the Alpha Legion. Her boys will learn that they have funny cousins. Le Fay just shakes her head. Percy has so many questions. As does Arthur and Pavala. But Ren shakes his head. Better to not ask.
Ashwatthama meets with his new champion compatriot. A new one to the front that is sort of disturbed by the marine and the Kriegers' new fanatical chanting of Shovel-Chan.
"You get used to it Drona. They are harmless to us. Their shovels are horrible for the enemy."
The father of Ashwatthama just shrugged. But he does not remark more. They need to draw Fenrir out. He has been making the pushes harder. But they have a new plan. Fenrir was starved by Loki. So, they bring in meat.
Mark 001
Einherjar are more confident in their performance now. They are enjoying butchering the Dark Elves. The fucks had raided Asgard for centuries. Odin never dealt with them. But Loki did. The majority in the armies think Loki should just take over at this point. He is getting them new weapons and armor. He is making them get the vermin in the Senate to stay on the back foot. Yes the Jotun are cannibals, but they are not the shit scum that call them a dead end faith. They have Fenrir and more weapons coming soon. They are eager to kill Senate dogs.
A far off mountain is spotted. The Senate forces are standing in front of it. The Einherjar are smirking. But so are the Senate forces. What the?
A war horn blares. The ground shakes. The mountain moves. The Senate forces smirked like sharks they began stomping the ground. The mountain moves closer and closer. A Valkyrie shakes. She quivers and softly said.
"That is no mountain. It is something new."
The horn blares again. The Senate armies chant.
"The bodies around us will stink of the dead! The Titans of the Gods will end this war!"
Vali and her team look in awe. Le Fay knows what that is. Issei had shared a vision of TitanDeath.
"The God Machine Cometh. I am going to relax. We do not want to advance. That thing will do the lifting for us. Kura, please help me with a noise dampening spell. I am not losing my hearing when it fires."
Magic users across the Senate armies do that. The titan was an Emperor class. It was driven by angels sworn to the Machine God. It is princeps gave the order to fire. The Vulken mega bolter started to spin.
Mark 002-045.
The mega bolter roars and vast amounts of the Einherjar disappeared into bloody mist. The Titan lumbers forward. The Senate armies move, and the Titan blares its horn again. The Einherjar are freaking out. As are their allies in eagle warriors and Hoplites. The Valkyrie commander desperately needs reinforcements and Fenrir. She begs Loki for him. Loki does not understand the war horn noises. Nor the sounds of his Commander crying for his enslaved son. She abruptly stopped talking. The horn blared again. Loki is now incredibly quiet and feels a dread growing.
Team Vali watched in silence as the enemy armies in front of them disappeared. The titan was magnificent. Vali grunts at Le Fay.
"I want one. Not that size but it will be a good bait. Bird will the dog show?"
Frola is in pure awe. This was a thing that truly deserved to be called a God Machine. She has found her new aspect to follow. Louis is bouncing like grandma. He loves the titans. Arthur does not regret joining Issei. Le Fay had told him what a Titan was. That there had once been battles fought with armies of these things. Ren chirped back to Vali.
"Thirty/Seventy. Loki is very hesitant to commit the dog with next to no knowledge about Greg. He will not show up. But I am happy that I get to laze with my babe! And Fro! Come here ladies it is time to relax. And boss you are not able to drive one. The machine spirit is incredibly powerful and yeah you are too, but these would crush you. No offense."
Vali is disappointed. The titans are cool. And the dog not showing is disappointing too. Vali likes dogs. Fenrir will get extra meat if they save him every day. He was a good boy.
Fenrir froze. He whined. Someone thought he was good. He hates his father. He cannot run because of the collar and a rune but he wants real food. Loki starved him to make the wolf reach berserker rage. Fenrir just wants someone to pet him and tell him he is not a monster. He did not like Odin. But the one eyed fuck had tried recently to be kinder to the wolf. He was also a prisoner now. They had reached a mutual understanding. No kills against the other. For now.
Greg finished clearing the enemy army. The Senate just followed in its wake. Le Fay is happy about that because this means they can attend the wedding. Kuroka is happy too. Vali is surprised when Kuroka pulled an invite for the rest of the team.
"You are all invited to the wedding. Issei wants his rival there. Said that you are a friend/enemy. Plus, there is extra entertainment."
Kuroka whispered something into Vali's ear. The White Dragon Empress smirked more. That is definitely fun. She is down for that.
"Percy wear your armor and bring your spear. Same with everyone else. I want the bounty for two fucks. Want to buy a new car and go fast."
Imperial Villa Italy two days before the wedding.
Sona is amused. So is Serafall. Do they really think that will work? Sona is mad that the OSF will attempt this on her wedding day. But horribly amused that they think that they can pull another assassination attempt after the last failed. Antony is amused too. His two new Custodians are also amused. One is a nekomata that had gotten a name in honor of another Custodian. Kitten. He had been offended by that till he saw the other Kitten. They were mood kindred. He was also good at games. Especially Yugioh. He takes the name.
Devdin and Renee are chuckling. Rias is just worried. But Issei calmed her.
"Perpetual remember. Do not die permanently. You have to be extremely stupid to think that this will work. You are going to attack a wedding. With Custodians here. Two Satans. Several Astartes. Team Vali. Your peerage. Sona's peerage. And the rest of the perpetual club. This is very funny, and it is really tickling my funny bone. Let them do it. We get to bond, and Asia gets to indulge in her desire to gut a pig. I am down to support that."
Rias blushed heavily. Yeah that is bad odds. She sees the funny now. That also tickles her own funny bone. Issei does simply remark.
"The guests will be safe. Runes drawn to keep them contained. I know who the rat is anyway. The GKF is now mostly dead, but the most extreme members are getting ready to throw themselves in with the OSF. We have known that for a while. What was Lord Bael's face again my wonderful sister in law?"
Serafall laughed maniacally. Lord Bael had not known this at all. He was bitter as was the true patriarch. But they had not organized this in any way or form. They had sweated and immediately started to babble that this was not them.
"They cried like bitchs. Said they are not doing this. Disowned their vassals behind the plan. Begged not to be punished for this. I smiled and got pictures. They will be good. What is the plan anyway?"
Issei joined the maniac laughter. As did everyone else. He leaned in.
Rossweiss's home underworld.
Bennia is happily painting a picture. She was humming and enjoying her new friend in a young newly arrived Dark Elf teen. The young boy was also interested in painting. He was fifteen and he was also interested in becoming a Remembrancer. He is happy that a Sun Elf charity had helped the last Dark Elves by getting them a huge well furnished and stocked building. He was an orphan but was happy to be alive.
The grim reaper was his friend. She was willing to teach him painting. Rossweiss was happy for the two. Hadrian was talking with her. He revealed something that she had wondered about.
"I cannot give you kids. If we ever get there. It is not from the enhancements. It is a result of serving under my old king. Said she did not want the off chance even if it was one in a trillion of a servant thinking that they were equal to her. It is not fixable. I am sorry Rose."
Rossweiss is not mad at him at all. It hurts because he is wonderful, and the Emperor did not take that from them. Yes they are his guard and most probably will not be able to do that. But the option was there. Rossweiss loves her brave Custodian who had given her so many firsts. So many wonderful memories and experiences. But she had wanted babies eventually. She gripped his hand.
"It is ok Harry. I am sorry. But I had a gut feeling it was something like that. I will not leave you because of this. I love you. Maybe something else?"
"The girl and boy. They do not have anyone. Maybe adopting them? Eventually and with their permission? I am sorry I am not able to give you that. I know you wanted them eventually."
Rossweiss considers that. Bennia had grown on her quickly. Vernal had just started coming over because the house was close to the elf district and Rossweiss showed them that the Emperor took their concerns seriously. The elves love the Emperor more when he personally took time to meet their elders and they discussed fixing problems that had arisen. The Dark Elf crone was told she can get a meeting with him after the wedding. The crone understands that the Emperor was extremely busy.
"Perhaps. Bennia still has her stepmom. Vernal has no one. He was an orphan before the War in Heaven. I would say we ask in a few weeks. Bennia has a chance at a scholarship, and I am putting in for it. No favoritism from me. I want them to get their dreams through hard work. Harry I'm not sure. I know this is hard to admit. I said I will not leave you. I mean that."
Hadrian hates his bitch former king. She took this from him. He had hoped that being free of the piece would restore it. But it stayed. The gene smiths for the Ten Thousand had tried everything to fix that. Nothing had worked. The Emperor had been called in. He had looked closely and finally made the verdict. The rune used was extremely rare and extremely complicated to apply. It could be removed. But it would take more from Hadrian, and it would get worse every day after. It had to stay. The Custodian had despaired. He had a thing that the others in the Ten Thousand had given up. Some like the new nekomata wanted it too. But most were honored to be the Emperor's generals. To be his elite enforcement.
That was fine with Hadrian. But Ingvild was peaceful. And Hadrian had wanted that so badly. His family had sold him to the church. He had rebelled by joining his king to have control of his destiny. Only for the snake to do this by seduction and lies. He regrets everything that led to that choice. Rose deserves someone who can do it completely. He had hidden this not because he was trying to be a coward. But because it hurt to know Rose would not get her dream. Them in this home. Two kids. But Rose drove the night away from her lover.
"Harry. Believe in me. I love you. You are not the person to blame for this. Stay with me tonight."
He will.
Sona's wedding day.
The wedding is being held near the Prometheus. Rias had been bouncing up and down. It is time to fly bitch! But after the wedding is done. The crew was inside and preparing last minute inspections and tests to make sure they would not explode. The Emperor's Will and the Star Wander would launch the next day. Terra was eager in wanting to see the Prometheus fly. The Imperium wants to see everything.
The stage was set. The cheese was laid out. The guests were informed, and they had been greatly amused by the plan. The Custodians led by Antony with his two brothers had come prepared. Their armor was gleaming in the sun. The Water Dragons had easily brought their swords and power armor. The perpetuals and everyone else who would be fighting were armed and armored.
Sona was being helped by Serafall and Renee. They grumble about the carapace, but they just asked that she be safe. Renee and the other devil guests that were not fighters had a small scroll that would move them to safety. Rias was bouncing nearby and she is thinking of the ship and Kenji.
Akio was with Akeno and Rias's peerage. They had been preparing their weapons and the new members were nervous, but Gasper of all people cheered them up.
"If I who is just a little guy can do this so can you!"
That made the new laugh. They new people would mainly be moving people who got hurt. Sona's peerage was all in. They had las guns. Jiro had a power fist and he flexed for Shirone. The cat girl giggled pervertedly at that. The new knight was testing a chainsword. She likes it. Tomoe was thankfully here because she was on leave. Her two knights represented their house in western Russia. Kiba was talking with Tosca. They had decided to try. But it was tentative.
The Sigilites had gathered and the five here physically had prepared themselves. Asia was eager to gut the bastard who had gotten her into trouble. Yes it had led her here, but it was the principle. That he tortured and used mind control on his peerage made her mad because he had been saving his queen piece for her. She had heard what the brave pawn had done. Caltlin will get vengeance. Her eight wings were primed to turn Diodora into a pin cushion. Her melee weapon was a chain gladius. Helped with her short size.
Vali is amused at Frola and her newfound desire to be attached to Ren at all times. The new convert to the Cult Mechcanicus is clingy but Ren and Valeria had been nothing but accommodating to the young Valkyrie. Balamund was simply happy to be here. Ellen was here too, and he made his report.
"The sunwalker is fine boss. She has the shard, and it has done its job. I understand your frustration with her. But the bird has her true love. I am still willing to watch and help out the Senate, but I do not think we should dog her step."
Ellen had started to really distrust every psyker. Only the Emperor was above her scrutiny. But she knows that is how the last order of them was like. She knows the bias will hurt the Ordo in the long run. She just sighed before beginning to bury the distrust. The Emperor did not hold them in contempt. Neither should she.
"Your watch over her is done. And you're welcome to join acolyte Vali as her future blank support. I will try."
Balamund was happy for his boss. And happy to work with Vali more. The White Dragon Empress was a great boss and Balamund had come to enjoy the camaraderie. He will be replacing Le Fay. The magician was getting ready to start backline work with the Imperial Magician Guild. Kuroka wanted the kittens soon too and she was preparing to talk to Louis. The marine was with his cousins, and he was singing praises of Shovel-Chan. The five second legion marines were sweat dropping.
Sirzechs was happily listening to Millicas talk about his friends. The human and the Sun Elf. The trio were close, and Irina had sighed hearing that. She missed the old days. Her family had desperately tried to reconnect with her. But she spat at them. Her new family was better.
Arthur was getting ready to leave the team eventually too. He was going to hunt his father with Issei and Le Fay. The bastard had lived far too long. He really had only two friends left and they were extremely nervous. Arthur was dreaming of bringing Irina to his home. The Queen had reinstated the Pendragons as a noble family. But only for Arthur and Le Fay.
The music was starting and that was the signal to the noncombatant audience to pop their scrolls. They began to pop out. Issei was amused and layered the psychic illusion up and armor and weapons disappeared replaced with regular clothing. The OSF was going to take the cheese. Devdin led Sona down the aisle and Sona just enjoyed the moment. She enjoyed it and liked the illusion of the dress and his suit.
Ravel had helped Falere and Zaria out to be here. The two had glanced at each other. But Falere was a pariah like the Quarian. That connects them. Falere whispered softly to Zaria.
"Thank you. You are wonderful for convincing my Dream. I owe you."
Zaria had met several Asari on her pilgrimage. They had been split. Most were pricks. But one had helped her get a decent job for three months. That Asari had been cool. They still talked every few months. It was still weird being here yet not, but her cog was great. Weird he had a harem. But understandable given his weird self nature.
"You owe me nothing. We are mood kindred. Just help me when I am there. Want to beat our noble idiot."
Falere laughed gently. He was a noble idiot. But the best noble idiot. They got front row seats.
Mark 000
Shalba Beelzebub was eager to kill the Emperor and the race traitor. The Sitri bitch who dared sullied their race by laying with a human worm. He will enjoy killing them both. And the rest of the wedding guests. Worms all of them. Destroying or capturing the ship would be a good boon too. They could kill humans at will and then begin the genocide.
Diodora was dreaming of his future queen. He will immensely enjoy breaking her. He hates the Emperor. Stole Asia Argento from him. Stole most of his pieces from him with the beginning of the Unification Wars. The eye the bitch pawn had taken was replaced with a newly grown eye. But even then the blade had damaged his nerves and was not fixable. He was here with his three remaining pieces. A knight and his two bishops. He wants his next prize and will be pleased when she breaks and begged to service him. His magnum opus. Then he will kill his bastard brother and help devil supremacy then rule over a new harem of broken humans and a country of slaves all worshiping him like a god.
Mark 001.
Two hundred devils from the levy of the true Beelzebub portaled into the wedding of the human worm. Their leader was here as was his new second. They land and are grinning at the looks of surprise on the venues' faces. Shalba enjoyed the fear in the race traitor's eyes. Diodora eyeing Asia like a piece of meat. The Emperor just appeared bored. Then the wards kicked in. The OSF felt their retreat scrolls and their portals with more troops waiting close instantly or be destroyed.
The Emperor chuckled as did Sona. Then the laughter of the guests happens. The illusion vanished. Where once there were no weapons and armor or guns now the real guests have them. Vali cracked her fists. Ren powered up with the other psykers. Ellen and Balamund smile and then crack their fists. Serafall twirled in a circle and then did a v pose with her wand in the other hand. Everyone was grinning like sharks. Asia had to thank her battle hungry other self. She gave useful tips.
Chainswords and more roar. Issei smiled fully in his armor with Sona preparing a water spell.
"No red wedding today. Nice inspiration but you failed to see the trap. Vali my dear friend, have fun. Asia we get the exile. I usually do the kill. But this one is for you. Consider it our engagement dowry."
Mark 002-025.
Asia grinned. She revs her gladius. The roar scares Diodora. Especially with how much the desire to gut him is on her face. The Emperor has corrupted his prize! He must get his queen! Shalba growled at this humiliating situation. His levies are now extremely hesitant to fight. They were the biggest cowards. Something they took unconsciously from their lord. Issei drew his flaming sword. The water spell from Sona was almost ready. The fight began.
Kitten lowered his guardian spear. He pulled the trigger, and the first death was made. A devil magician. The man exploded. Zaria gasped. Fuck that is scary. Falere, however, just cheered.
"Praise the sun!"
The Sigilites moved and Ravel barbecued three devils. Kuroka and Shirone with Jiro engaged against more levies. Le Fay joined the perpetuals in gutting more devils. Dimitri is grinning because Akari promised him something special for tonight. Rias just enjoyed some of the food. She gets to fly. That is enough. Her peerage is surprised when Gasper cracks his power sword and charged with the marines. Louis points his shovel onwards.
"That is just a little guy! Go small man! Shovel-Chan is with you!"
Louis joined the melee. The champion of Shovel-Chan will show everyone her wrath! Sona's peerage are simply happy to be here. Sirzechs joined Rias in eating food. The pastries were good. Serafall twirled again and then cast her wand. Ten devils from the OSF got sucked into a whirlpool that Sona cast. Serafall froze the water.
Vali flew off to kill Shalba. Her fists danced with lightning and that made the coward back up a few steps. But he quickly threw two of his levies into the path of Vali and then he conjures earth magic to raise himself up over the fight. Vali just ascended.
Asia goes for Diodora with Issei and Sona. Asia sees why her battle hungry other likes this. But she wants only one kill. Sona immediately pulled a bishop into a fight and the two throw magic at one another. Issei gets the knight and the orange haired woman emotionlessly moved to fight the enemy. Diodora attempts to knock Asia unconscious with a concussion spell. The remaining bishop throws barriers over her master and herself. Le Fay is the one with her chainsword to challenge that last piece. Asia reveals her wings.
The gold burned Diodora. He screamed. Asia sent twenty feathers at him and only three hit. The rest being blocked by the barrier. The three feathers hitting were one in the kneecap on the right leg, another in the left upper arm, and finally the last leaves a cut across the right side of the face. None are serious wounds.
"You destroyed my life by taking advantage of my kindness. I will destroy yours further for what you did to the rest. I do not like violence, but this is justice for Caltlin. She failed to purge you. I will not. You will be remembered for one thing after your death. Starting the Imperium truly by your actions. I know no fear of you or anyone else!"
The gladius stabs and three more feathers fly. Diodora dodged and once again tried to knock his prize unconscious. That will be his problem. Not Asia's. The feathers bounced off a hastily cast shield. Their fight continued.
Issei simply decapitated the knight in a single move. She was completely broken. And shit at sword work. But Diodora broke this once very competent exorcist into this. All because she had a rare orange hair. Le Fay was wondering why the other magician devil was so awful at her spell usage. Way too much magic was being wasted and the moves were extremely sloppy. She feels bad for this bishop. But she simply throws a very underpowered lightning spell and the barrier around the bishop cracked and the bolt goes through the other woman. A grapefruit hole is now visible through her body. The bishop dropped and then stilled. Issei goes to help Asia.
The Water Dragons are gutting devils trying to flee and Louis chants praise to Shovel-Chan. Arthur sees he is not needed and just sits with a comparable situation, Irina and the two start discussing the weather. Sona is not impressed in anyway by this bishop she is fighting. Sloppy everything and terrible attempts to cover weakness. Toys rather than an actual peerage. Her own was blasting or cutting through the OSF and her new knight has discovered the love of the Chainsword. She laughed manic and shouted.
"Neoth guide my hand!"
Zelora will never regret this. She gets to have fun and embraced the sword. Sona was great and encouraged her to do what Zel wanted. And that was get a hunky Drell. She wants them! Despite the poison.
Sona just sighed at another shit attempt by the remaining bishop and then just drowned her. Diodora was a shit king. The type that did not try to improve his pieces. Sona then went to help Serafall, and her dad bully more levies. Issei sees Asia's plan. He smirked and saw how cunning it was. Note never make the angel truly angry. Asia sends dozens of feathers at Diodora.
Vali chased after Shalba. The fuck was desperately trying to get away and was an ultra rat. Creuserey had been the best of the old Satans. Shalba was the worst. He was the extreme coward kept around because he had money and spies still deep in the devil population.
Mark 026-37.
Asia was winning her fight. Diodora was hurting badly. He had feathers protruding from his body. Many feathers. Issei was just enjoying the very amusing sight of Diodora running desperately trying to knock Asia unconscious and each time failing. Asia was getting tired of the piss poor attempts. Her head hurt and that was pissing her off more. Just one kill. Then she will go back to healing.
Vali was getting increasingly amused as Shalba continued to run. The rest of the levies were dead or dying. Sona was just with her soon to be husband and continues her happy. Rias was still eating now joined by more guests. Rias was approached by her second and the man had picked up a delicious pie slice and reported.
"Ship is almost ready boss. The crew is ready to go. The Engineseer is saying the engine needs about two more hours."
Rias was happy at that. Sirzechs pats his sister.
"It is almost there Ria-tan. Tell Issei I like the food and he should definitely send me the name of the chef. Why are there an Asari and a Quarian here?"
"New friends. And they look like they are having fun."
Falere loves the las gun. She wants one. Zaria had watched Issei and his sword. She wanted to learn that. Get out of the suit first. Then learn. Because melee in case of being ambushed or your enemy gets close to your sniper nest. That is actually useful. She did not like bolters. But given the disgusting actions of the OSF it was understandable. But the barks were something she could get used to. Kitten feels weird around the Quarian. He is a Mechcanicus member too.
"Be happy to teach you milady. See why we eight have a lady each. Hope we can meet soon."
"Me too cat man."
"Call me Kitten. My namesake is great at games. And he should honestly be the King of Games."
TTS reality.
Kitten is enjoying his new triumph. He beat dad again! Plus, the mollusk, and the Cigar man who is actually Ursker Creed. Ciaphas is just here crying again because he was here, and his latest medal was from him beating a Slannesh cult in a single hour with his dance moves. He desperately wished his mood kindred were here to hold him and make the ultra big sad leave for just a second.
DXD 40000
Zaria likes the other Kitten. Asia is damn tired and wants a pain killer. She unleashed a psychic scream especially for Diodora and makes him stop running and hold his now bleeding ears. Asia brings her sword across the stunned man's head. Diodora feels nothing at all. Like he had done to his pieces. His head rolled and the body fell.
Issei put a hand on his betrothed.
"Never again for you. But I love you for being who you are."
Asia feels everything times ten. Pride for Caltlin and her vengeance. Love for her man. Shame for breaking her pacifist ways. But also, completely full. She does not kiss him. This is Sona's day. But she can wait for a bit longer.
Vali finally broke Shalba's leg and then punched down pulping the coward to the end. She gets the bounty! And a new Tesla that she has been eyeing. A sports car. Sona is making a black hole to suck up the bodies. Throwing them into the gap. Ophis had agreed to let that be a dumping ground for this and other things. But only a small part. She had offered that as a wedding gift. Issei had thanked the dragon.
Sona hugged her sister in Asia. Issei was happy this was over for them. Rizevim was now alone and that was good and bad. Good because it shrank the effective leadership. Bad because he could now have no opposition for plans. When the bodies were eaten by the black hole the guests came back in. The music restarted and then Sona and Issei started their vows.
"Sona. You are my greatest friend. The one who truly saved me from the abyss that was my isolation. I saw the night far too long. I can never say this enough to you. I love you forever. The single greatest thing I have ever seen. The one who is truly my sun."
"Ise. You are wonderful in so many ways. You believed in my dream before so many besides my peerage and family did. You helped me build my dream expecting nothing but my friendship. I love you for so many things. You gave me the galaxy and the desire to leave behind the darkness. My greed is beyond fully filled. I will never stop loving the man who gives everything to us all."
They kissed. Then cloaks were exchanged. Sona this time gave her house cloak to him. Then his pillar to hers. The crowd cheered and the Water Dragons clapped happily for their grandparents. Serafall cried millions of crocodile tears and Devdin and Renee are smiling wide. Their baby was happy. With a man who had truly shown he wanted her in everything. Rias had her dream. Sona deserves that and more. Her first friend who had taken the scorn and the sneers. The one who had truly good dreams. Rias was going to tell her kids one day. How her friend has believed first then stayed winning forever. Kenji put his hand on his girlfriend. He was happy for Rias getting her dream too.
The party was shown, and it made Terra happy. And then two hours later the Prometheus began rising from its berth. Crowds who had come from every corner of the world saw it rise into the atmosphere. Red and Ophis flew next to the ship. Red had his own dream mostly filled. Ophis is just amused at the stupid look on her mate's face. But she lets lose a real smile too.
Russia Federation forces felt the bottom at last. As did the dictators of Africa. The world, thanks to cameras on the ship saw the blue turn to black. Rias feels her greed reach new heights. She will be a pioneer. The trailblazer. The first devil in space. In a nearby observation deck the imperial pillars and the Satans along with the Imperial Family watch Terra get smaller. Ruval is bouncing up and down amusing his wife. Ruven and his wife see the stars and Ruven feels the call of the void as does his wife. They will join the Imperial Navy.
Argel with his two friends in Devdin and Zectus watch the stars with awe. Their wives are watching too. Sirzechs and Serafall looked on with Fabium and Ajuka. Ajuka dreams more of Mars they are getting closer.
Sona is standing with the rest of the Sigilites and her husband. They look at Terra and see the blue. Sona nor anyone else here will ever forget this moment. The Sigilites embrace the one who got them here. Issei has tears in his eyes. Another dream conquered. Another high reached. He sees his people across the world cheering for this day. The true beginning of their golden age.
The streets of every city on Terra flood with people cheering and celebrating. Angels fly high. Humans and their kin know the feeling of their Emperor who was truly beloved by all. His armies enjoyed their vindication. They launched the next offensive and captured hundreds of towns and villages. The new holdings see their own celebration because this had gone out to everyone, and no blockage could stop this. The Russian people and the people of Africa see what was being denied to them. They are beyond pissed, and new riots break out on mass. Many of the armies against Unification see the stars and regret fighting.
Many are done. They deserted or surrendered. They know they will be treated well if they surrender. But their leaders will not be. The world celebrated the deaths of four dictators who are dragged out by mobs of the people. The coalition in Africa falls apart. And with Ophis and Red helping the Imperium crushed eight more dictators quickly. Many of the remaining ones realized their doomed. The enemy has orbital supremacy, and more ships launch tomorrow.
Several flee and begin their exile. They will hide in the most remote places possible and hope they are never found. Their governments fall to the mobs. Three countries in Africa remain by the end of the day. They will fall by the end of the week.
The Russian government sees the writing on the wall. They are doomed to destruction. They curse the Emperor and his armies. Crowds in Moscow are chanting their destruction and their deaths. Russia had bled for nothing but spite. The leaders consider what to do. Three quietly leave the debate and head to their offices. They lock the doors. Three gunshots ring out. The rest hear them. They are scared and know this is the eleventh hour. The fat lady is singing. They must do something.
The Serpents head in Georg considered his own plan.
Cao Cao sees the stars through the prison rec room. He has a black eye. The prison population know they cannot kill him. But they can make his years here hell. Malgun sits with Hevina, and they watched with the other prisoners. Human prisoners regret everything. OSF ones curse their foe. Malgun sees no one is near Cao Cao. He will not extend kindness to the other. The devil regrets his actions. Cao Cao does not. The Inquisition asset enjoyed his time near the wall of martyrs. He was told the stories of the ones he helped by their spirits. They do not blame him. But he will blame himself always for his actions.
Rizevim considered his place and plans. He doubts now. Privately. Trihexia was no closer to being found. He was not seeing a way forward. He is the last true descendant. Euclid is trying to reign in the scattered and now openly fighting faction. They must attempt the ritual and try everything for it. Trihexia was the key. It has to be. They will attempt tomorrow and see what they get. Euclid knows what must be done.
In Citadel Space
In the Ardat Yakshi monastery the ten cheer the next time they meet. The guards are bewildered and do not know what brought this about. Falere gathers them and shares the story of Sol Invictus and the new age coming for they who believe. The Sol Invictus Asari see him fully. They genuinely believe now.
Zaria sits with her father. He is silent. He doubts everything. As does her mother. The Morning War was both sides' fault. Equally. The family sits in silence and then Ralis spoke.
"We each must answer for this. We are wrong for making the first strike. But they are wrong for the great killing in return. I am not sold on your wanted partner Zar. But I will stop you till they give us something that we all want. Home."
"He understands. But I want my Cog. He who has made me better. I believe we will see Rannoch again in a decade. But we must do the lifting here. I will introduce you tonight. It will be weird in the extreme. But you will see why."
Liara loves hearing her goddess fully now. Her shot had hurt but this was wonderful. Athame told Liara her blonde and black haired ones are coming. That the Citadel will be destroyed, and they will never stop rising now. Liara believes so much.
An. We finally entered the space age. Some four hundred thousand words later. But we are here. Now comes the hard part for me. Ending it in one or two more chapters. Then starting the new idea, I and another have and then the sequel. I am so torn by this. But I am in need of a new project, and I have a few more ideas about the next book and how the galaxy changes slowly. Might make a poll. But I am doubtful of that right now. I have plans and things set up including Trihexia and new arcs.
Fuck Diodora and Shalba. Shalba is the worst of the OSF and out of the three regular leaders I liked Creuserey the most because he had at least a good thing in his kid and the fact he was good to his men. Shalba did not deserve a fight honestly for me. Diodora dying to Asia is justice for him being a bitch and getting her in trouble. And then my favorite two things out of this. Shovel-Chan and the Titan. I laughed at the idea because having a shovel as a god is just great for me. Stupid because that's Warhammer but also meme for the Kriegers. They are my second favorite regiment after the Vostroyians. And Loki gets to suffer a titan. That is funny. I had Titanicus playing, and I know that was something I needed to try. The good boy will be helped.
I did mention a while back during the StarGate chapter that I had a different original plan for that. Here it is. I was thinking of doing a Reaper Cult and that the party troops were being brought in slowly but steadily. Thus, the Prometheus launching early to kill the site of the infection. But that destroyed what the ship means to me. Exploring not war. I hated that because it tainted the dream there and I am hopeful that this has been a steady rise up.
Ann. Space Rome yeah the Imperium is kinda like Rome in how they will shake the galaxy in everything. The Vila is actually a property that was a dowry gift from the Phenexs. Just a vacation home nothing special about it.