Chapter 38
I was there when the Imperium got its first Empress. Was a nice ceremony. My bastard friend is lucky. But I got the better future wife. Akeno wants to have our ceremony in an Ecclesiarchy shrine. She can have that. But if the Shinto fuck with me I will show them I have my new Las Cannon. Just in case.
Lord Inquisitor Akio on his best friend's first wedding. M 3
Issei is extremely lucky here. He saved me from being bullied in grade school. Took on people because he believes in protecting others. He was my crush for a while. But I have Arthur now and Arthur is better than my childhood crush. But I get why other mes love Issei. I do not have regrets here. Happy my friend got his harem. Happier that he is not that super pervert that he is in other trees. He deserves the galaxy and more. Because he never gives anything less than maximum effort.
Sister Superior Irina on The Emperor of Mankind. M 3
Malta two days before the first wedding.
Dimitri was nervous. But Irina and Jeanne had reassured him that the other perpetuals were good people and that the Emperor saw them as extended family. Thus, they were here on Malta for a party. The trio of perpetuals were setting up their party room in an old unused building in Tizca Academy. Irina with the Xbox. Jeanne with more wine from France. Dimitri was just nervously pacing in a corner. The door opened and Akio came in with food. Lots of food. Pushed by two cooks from Imperial houses of devils who had been honored when the Emperor had contacted them to provide dinner for his stag party. The cooks were paid extremely well. Irina smirked at her second best friend.
"You brought my favorite. But that is not saving you Aki. You are going down tonight. You will lose three grudges, however. One for the food. The others for getting your ass whooping."
"Fuck you too. I will take the food one because I honestly did not remember. The other two are going regardless because you made an error. You did not see Dimitri possibly winning me the games."
Irina frowned while Dimitri was confused. Jeanne patted his shoulder.
"Psykers are extremely weird. You get used to it. Akio guess what! I am getting my harem! I get a sexy Asari and she is my mood kindred!"
Akio had expected that. But he congratulated his friend.
"Grats. I am getting married too eventually. Have my father in law's blessing. We three have an early party and will have fun. Akeno wants you all there. But she does want Irina to kiss my ass that day."
"That is not happening. And you lie! She actually said that I just have to be nice to you that day. And tell Akeno that I would be happy to join as a bridesmaid!"
Akio grumbled about being corrected. Dimitri just took a chicken leg and sat down. This was good actually. Jeanne was ranting on about her Asari to Akio. Irina was looking at the door. Arthur walked through and he brightened seeing Irina. He had grown to miss her. He smiled widely and sat with Irina and Dimitri. The new felt out of place. But Arthur spoke to him reassuringly.
"It is nice to meet you Dimitri. Do not worry about us. I am Arthur. My sister is on the way with Issei, and they will be here soon. You are not going to regret being here."
Dimitri is still unsure. But it is nice to have potential friends again. He had been suicidal in his regiment. He had refused to see a mentalist because of various reasons. But this was not so bad so far. The final two walked into the room. Le Fay was glued to Issei gushing about something. Her arm had a single red mark still. Issei had listened and shared some of the adventures his pervert main tree version was going through. Le Fay still found it funny that Vali was a man there. And that Issei was still sweet under the perverted skin. But this Issei here with Le Fay now was the best.
Issei tilted his head seeing Dimitri. Then he chuckled. Le Fay was curious as was Irina. Dimitri was intimidated by the Emperor being here. But Issei just extended his hand.
"I see why I had that feeling about you. It is wonderful to meet you Dimitri Kaiden Alenko. I am Issei Hyoudou, and it is funny that you are who you are here. Born too early. And not with your Shepherd."
Irina raised an eyebrow as did Arthur. But Le Fay is surprised. This was a companion. Just different. Dimitri is weirded out by the fact that the Emperor knows his full name. He never shared that with anyone. But a vision shows his other tree self. That him is weird. But also, kind of an ass in the middle. And Shepherd was shown to him. Usually, it is a very pretty red head woman. But it is a dude sometimes too. Dimitri liked them. The vision ended and Dimitri shakes the other man's hand.
"He is weird. But I get it now. Pleasure to meet you your grace."
Issei shook his head.
"None of that now. You are a new member of the family, and we leave the titles at the door here. I will try to have the anatheme which is your desire made soon. But I would say to you to try finding something you want to live for."
Dimitri grew hopeful at that. But he saw Irina frown in sadness for that desire. They had become good friends. Jeanne was still ranting at Akio. Le Fay was half listening to that. But she feels bad that Dimitri wants to die so badly. But Le Fay will not say anything about that. Arthur decided to bring Irina up and the two discussed bands. Dimitri looks at Issei.
"It is possible? It is real?"
"They are real. But you will feel your death a million times over in the final moments. I have things to live for. But I cannot tell you how to live your life. Your welcome to stay with us till it is ready."
Dimitri is now very hopeful. But that small desire for a harem that had been building in him pokes out enough that Issei smiled softly and said.
"If you want that just understand that we do not have regular humans for that sort of relationship. We get our partners mainly from the supernatural. It is extremely common there. But you have to win it through strength. What are you looking for in that? Maybe I can help you with that?"
Dimitri thinks. He wanted to have a partner if he went that route that was either an angel or a youkai. Devils were ok but he prefers to stay clear of them. Nice drinking buddies. But very weird.
"A fox or an angel. You probably do not have one open on those considering."
Issei chuckled more evilly than ever. Le Fay likes that a lot. That is ultra hot. But Issei smiled like a shark.
"Have plenty of fox friends. And I know plenty of angels too looking for a partner. I have a dear friend named Yasaka and she has many cousins who are interested in partners."
The two began to discuss with Dimitri growing increasingly interested in fox girls. Akio threw down the gauntlet to Irnia. Akio and Le Fay against Arthur and Irina. The Xbox round two began. Dimitri was extremely interested in a cousin of Yasaka with orange fur. Issei mentioned he can get the Russian a date easily with her and that she was also interested in a harem swinging both ways. Dimitri is hopeful now about that too. But he is just a regular human. Not like the Emperor. But Issei reassured the other man.
"Akari likes humans a lot. We are her fetish. She tried to get with me before I was with any of my ladies. But I gently declined her. She and I are good friends to each other. She wants a kickass human and I have read your combat record. She likes really brave warriors. That is you dude. Want me to give you her number?"
Dimitri nodded. He will try this out. Issei gave out a number and Dimitri likes Issei a lot as a regular person. The Russian has a homie in the other man. The party went off without any more hitches. Dimitri had tested a text and was surprised when Akari had sent a winking face to him. Plus, a picture. Issei smirked again.
"Told her she might get a message from you. She was prepared. Enjoy your chat. Jeanne stop ranting about Liara and just drink your damn wine!"
That started a fist fight. But not really a drunken Jeanne swats at Issei while barely being on her feet. Dimitri does not care about that. Akari is asking questions about him. He is enjoying this. Akio was right and wrong about the game. He lost a single additional grudge. But he did win the majority of the games because Le Fay is the best halo player in the club. Issei kissed the blonde's cheek after each win. Dimitri enjoys talking to Akari. He has a minor nosebleed. Arthur is happier for their new kin.
The food and everything else makes Dimitri remember his family. But not the usual painful memories. It is instead the particularly good memories. He smiled more. Issei eventually has to tie a very drunk Jeanne to the roof to keep her from doing something more stupid. The blonde woman is now just sleeping happily. The others besides Dimitri are amused by the sight. Arthur is upset he cannot win more games for Irina. But the younger woman just smiled and kissed his cheek. They party was great. But Issei felt a shiver go up his spine.
Ravel giggled listening to a new idea from Yunabella. Plus, it was good. Rope was mentioned by Akeno who was here along with Sona. The doe party was calmer than the stag. But Sona was the mature one. She was busy reading up on Astartes enhancement organs. She was moderately surprised by how many extra things they had. But they really would not be a thing till their primarch was here. Sona had learned the first Water Dragon legionnaire's name. Malcolm. He was from the United States and so were the other four second legion recruits. Ravel giggled more and then asked Sona.
"Are you having fun over there Sona?"
"I am having so much fun. But I appreciate the innovative ideas I am hearing. I am surprised Lady Phenex of how tasteful you have been. And you too Akeno."
Akeno huffs while Yunabella is a little red but not offended. The four are the only ones really here mainly because Kuroka was sleeping in a corner in her cat form in the sun. Asia was busy in Africa and Le Fay was already taken. Technically there was the ghostly figure of Falere, but she was just lost. Learned about the growling thing and she likes that. Plus a few other new ideas. She had little to contribute to the conversation. Given she had not had a relationship before, but she likes her human friends.
Ravel just thinks a new dirty thought and Sona just went back to reading. Yunabella was now giggling along with Akeno on that newly spoken thought. They would have to try that with their partners. Their party would have included Rias and a few more but Rias was now sleeping almost full time in her ship. She wants the ship to rise and never fall. Shirone had been invited but she was busy with Jiro. Mark mate had resurfaced, and Jiro was smug about that. Plus, he was taking weekend pilot courses on aircraft and several training simulators for spacecraft.
Inquisition Base Underworld.
Agamemnon looks at his warrant of trade. He received it today and it was immediately thrown into a pocket spell. He also had the deed to his ship. He was going to call it the Argonaut. He also was sort of in a sticky situation. He had gotten drunk last night from partying with the Team and woken up next to an unfamiliar woman. She was an angel. The angel had also been drunk and her reason had not been good. Her brother had died in the line of duty on a new Russia front. She had been surprised waking up next to a human. But he was sweet and the two talked.
The strangers had learned that they both had many shared hobbies. But that night was hazy and the two just agreed to stay in contact. As friends maybe.
Pavala had told Vali she was willing to work with the team for a while longer. Just wanted to speak more to Ren. The bird and goat had hit it off well. They talked mainly about trees. And the team had a possible new member. Valeria had asked softly to Vali if she could join the team. Vali had not given an answer mainly because it would be lots of trouble to get the Ordo Silence off the dhampir's back a bit. But she was surprised when the blank watcher had spoken up.
"The boss figured this would be asked. She does not trust psykers much farther than she can throw them. Understandable given how she has seen three try shit that has reinforced that view. But Valeria to me is fine. I will still keep watch, but I would be happy to join temporarily till the boss is soothed more. Names Balamund."
The blank unnerved people who were not Ecclesiarchy. But he was not off put by that. He had a relationship with a very understanding leopard Youkai who was weirdly enough attracted to the blank nature. Still Vali enjoys her work. Percy was being his typical love struck self and that was as always cute to Vali.
Xenovia was getting ready to do frontline duty. Her game time was over. The Ordo Xenos was now discussing ways for the Ordo Shadow Broker with Gasper here in his little power armor suit. He is just a little guy in his little suit doing little guy things! Anastasia had offered Gasper her help with anything he needs. She likes the little guy. Gasper had caught up with Valeria who, while disappointed in him for no longer crossdressing openly anymore was happy for her friend and how he had a vastly better life. The Ordo Shadow Broker had a new Inquisitor in a raccoon Youkai who was a little guy too. But also, a gremlin.
Diego had happily started talks with George about the Ordo Astra Porta. The gate was indeed a very strange thing. The material it was made from was incredibly strong and was not psychic reactive. But there was little else discovered. The new teams beginning there were strange including the Mechcanicus Ordo militant. The Skitarii. Alpha Carter had pulled four others from the Guard, and they had made the first unit of Skitarii rangers. The five had a chapel on base and had become the warriors of the Omnissiah and the Machine God.
Russia Siberian Front.
The Imperium pushed through another burned out town here in Russia. The new Chinese regiments were in something of a shock. They had just witnessed the brutal counterattack the Russian Government had launched. Mass rocket artillery and then a push that had done little but destroyed this town. The Imperial Russians had spat on the ground. The oppressive dogs were getting increasingly desperate to stop the advance.
Chimeras and vast numbers of griffin tanks and earthshakers had thrown back the offensive and the Imperium deployed a new tank. The Mastodon tank destroyer. The tank had a lance cannon, and it was racking up kills. Cawl was busy preparing a new super heavy tank. The Bane Blade. But that was a conceptual idea. The griffin was magnificent and was now the standard tank totally over the Leman Russ. A few of those had been made for experimental work but they were extremely unpopular. Thus, the griffin won out here. The Guard here was in incredibly higher spirits. Especially when three knights had moved up on their right flank. The walkers terrified the Russians who were now seeing more and more defections and or riots.
Kiba saw a mass formation of rocket artillery and signs his two vassal knights. The man and woman form up and then charged the artillery. The knights were fast. The Russians manning the rocket artillery see the walkers and then fled on foot trying to get away. Two rocket teams fire their payloads and they hit the knights. But void shields take everything and then the plasma canon on one knight barks and the vehicle and its crew melt under the heat. Kiba fired his mega bolter and that slammed into the vehicle making it explode.
The Imperials cheer and then advanced up. They were making significant progress since the reinforcements came in. The western push by the Germans and Poles had slowed down but they had captured ground and were now making progress towards Moscow. The Serpents now had a seat on the Russian war council, and they exploited that heavily.
Sister of Battle front Russia.
Seraphim squads were the bane of the Russians here. The jet packs made them run when they were spotted. The Sisters were now three thousand and they were happy to have their Grand Cannoness there. Xenovia babbles happily of Turians. Many sisters like the idea of hunky Turian warriors. And a divide forms between them and the Asari sisters. They when not fighting on the front battle each other in debates.
Jane was not part of that. Neither was her second. But they had received a strange peace offering from an enemy faction. The Redemptive faction finally made their move. They had surrendered on mass to the sisters and brought their branded with them. The leader of the faction was a reincarnation of Julius Caesar and he had agreed to every single term given. He and his followers unbranded would serve time in Kangabaru. But the information they brought won them some clemency.
Jeanne had been roused by a hangover potion the next day and she would lead a force after Hercules. The Greek had broken ranks with Cao Cao and now was part of the serpents. He was cooperating with the local Russian command here and has been fighting with them holding back several advances. The Serpents also have a large new boon. The Russians have granted them permission to enslave the sacred gear users of the country to form more formidable forces. Better enslaved powers on their side than them possibly helping the Imperials.
That pissed off the sisters and they and the Chechen First and Only volunteer for this. The Chechens are providing the las gun for knocking branded down. The sisters for the serpent bastards.
Mark 001.
This military base is heavily guarded by the Russian government. Inside is a new processing center for the Serpents. They have been working hard to replenish their ranks. Hercules is with a Russian commander, and they are planning to launch a new offensive. The branded will provide the muscle for the imperials and the Russians the artillery.
The hope is to push the imperials away from here and test several new technologies and tactics. The Cabal have left a legacy. A team of their bullet researchers had escaped the country and now serve the Russians. The bullets are being further refined and it's a new hope that they can perfectly make this. Two new weapons are also being tested. A chain weapon in the form of a two handed great sword for the branded and a possible more powerful Armor type based off scavenging on flak armor that was captured. The Imperials never let their weapons or armor go easily. They fight to the bitter end before surrendering. They are becoming like the Russians increasingly fanatical in their ways.
Two conscripts are softly talking to one another. They are hard considering deserting. They and three more here are disgusted by the Serpents. They, however, have found an out. An Alpharius on base has made contact with them. Said there is a plan for the Serpents. The two have been told to make the symbol of Unification and they will live.
A small wind kicked up and a single thing looks out of place. A single leg appears for a second. But the two watchers are not paying attention. They start to when a voice comes from nowhere.
"Open up or you both die. We are all around you."
The new Alpharius's see a head pop out from thin air it's a Chechen Commissar. The man wears his skull peaked cap, and four more men pop out with las guns raised. The two watches make the bird and then open the gates. They also kill the camera feed. The Chechen First and Only have camo cloaks and truly give Tanith the respect it deserves.
The Imperials then began the flood.
Mark 002-015.
The seraphim squads kick their jet packs on and the roars of them plus their new chainswords with more sharp teeth start making the Russians run. Chechen troops open up on enslaver dogs. Their Commissars are eager for blood, and many are from fellow soldiers.
"Death to the enemies of man! Forward!"
Jeanne tested her sword. The power sword was made by Leo. The younger man had become so much happier. He has a girlfriend in Ruruko. He has money from his new companies. And he has finally achieved complete control of his gear. He wears the old device out of habit. But this sword will be the end of Hercules. It was made to counter his body enhancements and his new gift from Zeus. Jeanne wants the fucker dead. Irina is here commanding the seraphim. Jeanne is with Dimitri. The man is technically unitless. But he has a squad of Chechen working with him.
The group slaughtered a force of branded who are high level gear users. The sisters have several squads of what they call the repentant saviors, and they are freeing branded that the Chechens knock to the floor. The three other Alpharius are helping by pinpointing crucial figures in the battle and where the enemy is holding prisoners.
Mark 016-035
Irina loves the jet packs. Plus, her favor from Arthur. She will be back in time for the wedding. They hit another squad of Russians with the roars, and they pushed towards a building that holds the prisoners. There Irina fights a Serpent.
A gruff and bitter woman named Rorwen. She has a lot of regrets. Joining the hero faction to begin with. Being an ally of Hercules was another. And worse was the fact she saw her twin branded and did not even care. Her twin was captured in Vietnam before the Unification Wars. Rorwen regretted everything. But she had little choice left.
The woman stared down the ten sisters. The Serpent has twenty branded. But that is not enough to fight the sisters. Irina cracked her sword. She sees Rorwen's story. But the lines end here. She will stand. Rorwen summoned her blade blacksmith. Ten chainswords floating around the older woman's head. The sisters pull las pistols and the fight begins.
The sisters put down the vast majority of the branded and they are moaning on the floor. Five did die. But not on purpose.
Irina cracked her sword and blocked seven swords thrown at her. Two roar and leave thin scratches on the power armor. The final is battered away and Rorwen started making more. Irina moved.
The sister brought her sword down on the woman against her. The blades crashed against each other. The other sisters are restraining the branded and then running to help the prisoners. Irina is not impressed with the sword work. Rorwen is shit.
Two more slashes from the power sword hit ghost blades. But Rorwen is not powerful. She got here by being a yes woman not a great warrior. Irina sees a gap. She makes the next gap. A kick was made with her armored leg, and it shattered the foot. Rorwen wanted to scream. She has an extremely low pain tolerance. Irina chopped again.
The sword takes a hand. This time Rorwen screams. Irina then stabbed her blade into the chest of the other woman. Rorwen jerks. Then falls with a hole in her lungs. The older woman falls to the ground. Irina calls up a repentant squad to begin freeing the branded. Irina gets three other seraphim, and they jet off to another building and they fight more Russians.
Mark 036-0100
Jeanne growled and chopped off another head. Hercules was being a bitch and was hiding behind his branded and a very loyal squad of Russian Spetsnaz. The head was from one of them. The branded were being hit by las guns. Dimitri was bitter about the enemy. These people were his countrymen. And they let the serpents do this.
Chechen camo cloaks had sped up the advance. They and the sisters were being extra brutal with the Russians. The prisoners had many horrific stories that the seraphim had shared with them. The advance now was pissed off. The Chechen want to show the Russian dogs they are better in every way compared to them. The sisters because they hate the Hero Faction already and this just makes them more pissed.
Dimitri is never more thankful for his curse than when he loses hearing from a concussion shot. The hearing returned almost instantly. He was pissed about that and shot the Spetsnaz with his new plasma gun. The soldier melted. Jeanne is impressed with the heal.
"Sorry about being tied with me for second strongest heal. I know you want the blade badly."
Dimitri is pissed about that too. But he thinks a thought. A sexy pic of Akari in a swimsuit she had sent him this morning. They really hit it off. Jeanne smirked seeing the new mood kindred. His thing was foxes. Hers were Asari and Tsubaki. The two shared a look. It is hidden by the helms, but they understand. The Russian wants to meet Akari in the flesh. He was happy that Issei had set that up. Plus given him an extra invite to the wedding. The old pervert and the new beginning one laugh together.
They charged a line of enemies shouting.
"Mood Kindred assemble!"
Five more of their mood kindred answered the call. Three sisters and two Chechens. They charged too. The Russians try to run from the laughing of very thirsty perverts. They will not get far.
Hercules is now very scared. Jeanne is here. He heard her voice. Zeus reassured his reincarnated son that he will live to see the imperial dogs dead and the Olympians reigned supreme. But Hercules doubts. Jeanne scared him badly. And her perverse laughter was getting closer by the second. The Russian commander had gone to assemble a defense. Hercules looked to his Spetsnaz second. The man was grim. They were loyal to Hercules because they saw what the Serpents were really doing and that it had slowed several advances in the west. Branded had made the German and Poles lose several hundred men in a recent push.
The West was not as well equipped as the East Imperials. But the Germans had been eager to build the Imperium and their troops, and the Poles had been inspired by North Korea. Everywhere Russia was struggling but the West was where they had the most success. Ukraine had finally picked a side. They thrust deep into the soft underbelly and had pushed back into Crimea. They were bringing relief to the Central Asia forces. Belarus had entered into the war on Russia's side. But they were crushed within five days by knights bearing the cog of Mars. Tomoe had two new vassal knights of her own. The pressure was building.
Hercules gets his fists ready. He hated Zeus. But his ally had given Hercules more boons. More heavy defenses. He gathers the Spetsnaz, and they begin to prepare more defenses.
Jeanne swings her sword and laughs more. Glorious work killing the enemies of man! She wants this over because Liara was getting her next gun lessons soon and Jeanne was always there for those. Dimitri is imagining Akari in a dress and is bleeding from the nose slightly. Her orange was so pretty. Fox girls are life! And Akari said if they really hit it off that she has a friend who is also into humans. And is open to maybe a harem. That makes Dimitri fight even harder. Fox harem is winning him over from the big sad.
The two burst into a hanger and then narrowed their eyes. Hercules is there with his men. They are still making cover. Jeanne turned entirely shark like in her evil grin. Dimitri sees an old rival of his. A man who was an ass before in his life before the wars. Dimitri wanted him dead. The other man tried to hit on his sister! Hercules sees the two newcomers. And then five sisters with bolters. He gulped.
Mark 0105-0135.
A bolter fired. And a Spetsnaz exploded. Hercules threw a grenade and then shot his own gun. The explosion and the bullets hit Dimitri and the noises pissed the man off horrendously. He shot his plasma gun and kills two more Spetsnaz. Hercules throws a javelin and that hits a sister, and it pings off with the head broken. Jeanne sings songs a taunt.
"Sucks you cannot kill a real warrior Herc. You need people at their weakest to make a kill. Especially when it is on people who had actual souls unlike you bitch. Now do not run. Leo and I remember those people. This kill is for them bastard!"
Hercules takes the taunting. And sends one of his own back. But he is deeply troubled by the taunting.
"I am not a lap dog serving a tyrant masquerading as a hero. What we do is true heroes work. We needed to make sacrifices you weak willed worm."
Jeanne laughed.
"The Emperor makes more sacrifices than you and the rest ever did. He actually protects unlike you. He will be humanity's greatest hero. He is the sun. And I am a warrior who brings light to the darkness between stars. Fuck you and Cao Cao. This is justice in the Emperor's name. For Alex and Mary!"
Jeanne charged kicking her servo motors into maximum overdrive! The speed makes her fly. Neoth gives a present for this. Angel wings unfold from Jeanne's back. She flew faster. These are temporary. Athame kissed Neoth and now is more in with him. She has her meeting in a bit.
Hercules is now pissed. Why does the French woman get that! Zeus did not give him shit! He throws a punch, and it lands on Jeanne. The punch is taken. Jeanne hurts for a second before her nature kicks in. She chopped at Hercules and her sword made a single cut.
The two reincarnated heroes fought. Swipes cuts and stabs. Punches kicks and a head butt that makes Jeanne only stumble once. The fight continues and Dimitri sees this is personal and rallying the sisters they pushed the Spetsnaz back away from the dual. Jeanne makes her second cut on Hercules's shoulder. The fight makes a new stage. Hercules feels a little weird. But he breaks an arm on Jeanne. He tried to push there. But her previously broken arm punched him back in less than a minute. The blow hurts.
The punch broke a tooth. Jeanne cuts another cut. This time Hercules groans. He is hurting more. Jeanne sees the poison kicking in. Leo made it to cause the fucker as much pain as possible. His only other war creation. He wants the other man to suffer for Alex and Mary too.
Hercules had dented armor. Broken the same arm of Jeanne twice more. But she still stands. How! She was a lower powered person when she had been with them! Jeanne snarled and cuts more times. Another cut is made and Hercules lost movement in his left arm. His heart is pounding and his head hurts. His eyes are starting to water. Jeanne headbutts the other hero and that dents her sister's helmet slightly. Hercules is dazed and then spasms.
Jeanne made two more cuts and then takes an arm. Hercules screams.
"What have you done to me bitch!"
"Poison you bastard. Keep malding asshole. Your line dies here. In shame. You might remember this in your next life. Hope you do. Because you are scum like the Gould. Die now. And praise the sun motherfucker!"
Hercules screams more and louder and then Jeanne takes his limbs. She then stabs down into the guts. The sword cracked and the hole was massive. Hercules silently screamed and kept thrashing. He finally spasms and then goes mostly limp. Jeanne removes her helm. Then spat on the floor next to Hercules.
"You almost made me miss my nerdy scientist warrior. Fuck you. Now Tsubaki gets more time with her. Bastard."
Jeanne giggled perversely and that is the last sound Hercules ever heard. He dies knowing extreme pain. And no regrets other than not killing the turn coat before.
The battle continues till Mark 0155 and command and control collapsed. The Russians army group loses communications with another jammer deployed and the Imperial Guard and sisters pushed into territory that Hercules had been helping stay under control. This makes Russia bleed. And more Riots form when the stories of branded newly freed and prisoners are blasted over the radio waves. The Russian population is now ultra pissed. That is Soviet shit! The west sees hundreds of ad hoc militias form and begin to make the government truly regret this decision. The east sees more once hesitant Russians volunteer for the Guard. Especially the former Gulag cities. Their people are now die hard Unification.
The war continues in Russia.
Malta.
Ophis is worried. She is in human form. Her hair and body is in a regular aged form and Red is next to her here in a room in Tizca. The Infinity Dragon feels very scared. This is new. But Red holds his mate and purrs for her to settle the fear. Ophis feels everything more now. And the beginning of love for her stupid mate. She holds a picture her biggest fan had drawn for her and that calms the rest of the nerves.
Issei entered the room with Antony behind him. The humans watch the dragons. Red raised an eyebrow. Issei does the same. He is in regal clothes with the palatine Aquilla. His Aquilla. Ophis sees the version of her son here. The two stare off. Ophis sees that he is now in the top three strongest beings. She is going to be third soon. Issei softly said.
"I will never like you. You gathered an army of evil that plagues our world. You let them torture and brutally oppressed my people. You are guilty of much."
Ophis feels tears form. It is all true. She deserves punishment. Red holds her. But Issei gently said.
"You give dragons a bad name. But I see what you have done for my armies in Africa. Consider that your punishment. Help them finish the war there. And I will grant you pardon. But try anything like that again and I will find a way to cut you from the tree. Then end you. Red your cool. But do not try and stop me if that happens. But I have good news for you both."
Ophis acknowledged the demand. But is curious. Red is too. Did not like the threats but understood. Issei had at that moment become the second. He does not say anything about the change.
"Red you fucked up my plan. But it has created more good. So that grudge is gone. I am, however, willing to let you both fly near the ship. And then on it. The new age includes you both. The land for your own dragon country has been expanded on. The soil is great for dragon fruit. Growing it should be easy. Tannin and Tiamat have been informed of this. Make a new nation for dragons. It will have representatives on the Senatorum. My gift to you. And on a less assertive note, congratulations. I am happy that you both are together despite everything. I do mean that."
Red smiles. Ophis gives a weak one. But she understands now that she has faced him and seen what the other hers had in many other trees. A dad. One that had been her first true friend. She would never get that here. But Issei gently corrected that.
"We can be friends one day. Not close or anything. But I know you are new to this Ophis. I just want you to be better than who you started as. Let us try that after a decade. By then I will be more mellow with you. Deal?"
Ophis nodded. Red squeezed her shoulder in support.
"Deal. Thank you. I get why you will surpass us all. Because you have become the champion of us all. I will never forget your kindness. I am really sorry. But I know that is not enough."
"It is not. But I am not my second dad. He is the asshole. I try to be better than him. Successful most of the time. But I am never going to be perfect. The Imperium is for every one of us who shares this form. And eventually more who do not. We need to be better for our kids. Because if we fail we will be trapped forever in darkness. I have to excuse myself. Getting married is hard work. I have six maybe seven more times of this. Damn Xenos goddesses are all annoying. Antony give them the clearance for the Prometheus."
"Yes Dad."
In the Citadel warp.
Athame shivers and knows she is in trouble with Issei. But she knows that it is not really bad trouble. Palaven is sitting across from her with a short Volus. Credit Maker is grumbling about being here. It is just five here today. Kalros is growling at Palaven. And Vheia the Quarian Ancestor goddess is simply confused. But she is an air head. A product of her people and their thoughts trains. But she is curious like always because that is also her nature. Athame shakes her head at Kalros.
"Come on Kal stop it. Palaven did that thing to you because your brats were bad. You know that."
The thresher maw growled more. But they and Athame were ok friends.
"They did. But the Genophage is bullshit, and you know that. The only reason I do not kill the fucker is because you are here. You are the only species that does anything to try and help my people. Go fuck yourself bird."
Palaven sighed. But he deserved this. Athame genuinely touched her friend in support. That makes the maw calmer. Vheia had stared off for a second before she realized that.
"Sorry Thame. I cannot help it."
Athame knows that too. She did start the meeting off.
"It is fine Heia. But I have good news for everyone but grumpy. We are getting new friends soon."
The three new gods have their eyes widen. New gods? Many implies multiple gods. That is new. Palaven clonks Credit when he freaks a bit.
"Shut up and let Athame talk Credit. You are here because this affects all of us. Stop worrying too much. Your profits can wait for a bit."
The Volus huffed before gasping out.
"Who huff are they? Huff"
Athame smiles perversely thinking of round two through eight. But grows serious.
"They are from a species called humans. They are nice guys and gals. Very new ideas and they are going to help us with the cuttlefish. They have never truly left the age of the gods. In fact, they have just restarted that age for them. Heia they do have that thing you hate. But they can help you with your problem with the Geth."
Vheia growled. She hates Ai just like her people do. Never mind that the Geth have actually helped keep her somewhat strong.
"The new are their slaves. How is that good! We face a new genocide! They got you Athame!"
Athame perversely smiles then grins more.
"Absolutely. But the Ai are vastly different from them. They are real people. They have actual souls. The humans will be able to do things we consider impossible. Plus, they are very much like your people Heia. They have hair. They are very hunky in both genders. My champion gets a harem! And a very troubled daughter of mine does too. The new are a little strange but they are really good people. Palaven they are remarkably close to your people. Great hunky warriors. Plus similar social structures."
Vheia gapes at two forms shown. Oh no they are like her people. They are hot! She sees what Athame means. The Quarian begins to pant. Kalros looks at the forms. They are not impressed. Credit looks at the apes. He is confused but he is the second weakest here. He cannot see much. Palaven sees humanity fully. They are extremely close to his thoughts. Warriors who are always fighting the good fight. The Astartes interest him greatly. Especially their other tree origins like everything the humans are getting.
"They are indeed remarkably close to me. Do they truly have guns like that? And the extra tree originating stuff?"
"All true. Kalros they can fix the Genophage easily. And your reluctant champion gets a really good friend. Vheia your people need to stop being curs and understand the Geth have a right to live too. Credit they are like you too. Many of them love money. Humanity will outshine all our people."
Palaven does not like the original tree. But he sees the Emperor of Mankind. That human is kick ass. But he is worried because there are still clouds.
"Will we face destruction from them Athame? We are Xenos to them."
"Yea we are. But they are that for us too. They do not desire our destruction at all. The cuttlefish yes. The asshole sadistic fuck and his parasites yes. But not us or the thousands of species that they enslaved. We will see more of the galaxy because they will not use mass relays."
That shocks the four others. Vheia pants more. That has long been her race's dream. Damn was that hot. She does not like the Ai at all. But Athame is right about them having souls. She considered something. Athame sweets the deal.
"The third on their high four is single Vheia. And he is a sun burning bright. You can have him. My boyfriend and I are down to help you. Plus, we can tie your people with theirs. Remember your future champion? Choose a new champion from that family tree. No more suits. No more migrant fleet and the pariah status. You can have that. You do not have to be submissive to them. Just a very loose protectorate until your back on your feet. And we can speak to our people again. They know of the dangers of the Citadel. How it is like a virus that infects everyone it touches. They will never set foot on it."
Vheia is so happy she is here. She has been lonely since the last ancestor god died giving her his faith and making sure she was there for their people. She wants a boyfriend again! And now a hunky human one! She does consider that Zorah. They had been her priesthood before the collapse they did have a daughter in the line currently. She giggled perversely. That can work actually. Oh yes this is true happiness and hope.
"I will choose a new one. But my people are not strong enough for that. How will we arrange this? And why is there a human behind you?"
Athame froze. She began shaking and sweating. The Asari looks over her shoulder and sees her possible stepson. He is angry at her. Palaven is amused by that. So is Kalros. They see that humans can easily fix the phage. Credit is intimidated by the human and hides behind Palaven. Vheia woofed. She is definitely in on that. So hot.
"Hey son. Nice to see you. Hey is not your refrigerator running mine is and I."
"Sit and shut up. You might be fucking my second dad, but you are not my mom. You are not giving the Quarian girl a choice. No offense good lady Vheia but that is not right for her. She should have a say in this. I am starting to become somewhat of a xenophile. But that has been extremely reluctant. You will get punishment later, Athame. I helped you with him because it was funny and he deserves to suffer. But you are reaching now. Three more favors if you speak again."
Athame shrunk into her chair. Kalros barks in amusement. Humans are definitely mood kindred. Vheia is ashamed because that was true. She had not considered that. She wants to sink into the chair too. But Issei had looked at her.
"My thoughts are science. I am not a big fan of gods. But I am slowly getting better with that. Sol Invictus is my cool uncle, and I can definitely help you with him. But the girl must have a say. It is hard but the asshole above us all is a Quarian simp and he is making me really want that. Fuck you watcher! You are a bastard!"
The gods are confused. Who is above them all? They ignore that but Vheia begins bouncing. Oh, this is wonderful. A boyfriend again! She is willing to follow through with the request of giving the girl a chance to decide for herself. Palaven clonks Credit again. The Volus whimpering. Before the Turian looked to the Emperor.
"I will get my people ready for yours. Your cool. But please control that cult forming that wants my people. We change slowly. But the blue one is funny. My champion has a kid. I guess I can help there. And yes he gets a choice. Kid is odd already. Will work. Tell me of this Great Crusade thing. There must be good stories from that. Credit stop being a bitch and look at him. You are a fucking god for my sake! Stop being a coward and think of the money your people will make."
Credit looks more closely at the human. His money namesake sign flashed in his eyes. He is a coward but that's money. Plus, the merch baby it is all about the merch! He is down. Kalros just growled to the human.
"Fix the phage. Then we will be cool. Do not like that other me. I like battle and honor but not the skulls and pure murder. Better than Thame. Why are you a sick bdsm fuck there Athame! More so than normal!"
Athame blushes badly. She mumbles that the pink one isn't her and that she's a good girl. Issei sighed. He had been talking to his other self and that tree had left leaves on him.
"Will do and do not worry. They are in for a rough time. My self-there is hatching a very disgusting plan. But it will undoubtedly save that galaxy. You both would have to die there. But it would be better for everyone else. Old man I will tell you the tale of a group called the Knights Errant. Very cool guys. You will like them and their stories other than the disgusting things that happened in the Heresy. Lady Vheia. I will consider it. Not now because I have a wedding soon. But after. The bastard won in the end."
That still confused them. Who is the watcher? Before a voice from the plane above them spoke.
"Just accept this asshole. I am trying to help you. I am sorry for the things. But I was in a dark place at the time. Even eight. Plus, Quarians are great. Now let me get back to work with this place."
The gods froze. They look up. And feel small. Issei patted their shoulders.
"You will get used to it. There are things above him too. He is not a bad guy. Just likes to make something new. He has not screwed me too much yet. And he has been extremely nice to me recently. Let us just call this a day. Getting married is rough. Athame dad says you're welcome to bring friends in as long as it is not the Batarians. Fuck them with a guardian spear. Be good. See you everyone."
Issei disappeared. The gods feel existential dread. The watcher spoke again.
"Calm down. You are all fine. I am building the tree not making you slaves. I am very hands off. I did not create any of you. You are fine. Things happen here but they are generally good. Credit you really are a bitch. Kalros you and Vheia are my mood kindred. And Athame stop whining because your people, while pretty are way better here than in your base tree. The council there are assholes and ultra incompetent. Here they make more damn sense. Now go back to regular life. I have things above me, and I do not even know what they are. You chuckle fucks do. Now be happier damnit."
That makes the gods feel better. Athame whines a bit more but that is because she has been ousted. Kalros is happy with the new knowledge. So is Vheia. She will start getting her champion the hunk human Emperor. Palaven just sighed and once again clonked Credit who was full freaking. Why was he the babysitter?
"Credit you really are like he said a bitch. Now go count your profits and dream new things. Watcher does not seem too bad. And he is right this tree is better than the base one. We are ultra fucked there. And they really are that incompetent. There's evidence you dumb fucks and it is shoved down your throats. Ah yes Reapers. We have dismissed these claims. Fuck you too stupid asshole. You are not getting born here."
The gods listen to the new rant against a very stupid Turian. This place continues to be weird.
Malta wedding day.
Ravel bounced happily in her beautiful dress. Her brothers are setting up stuff. Her mother is with her and Yunabella is crying up a storm. This day was perfect so far. The ceremony was being held at Tizca. Near the hill of martyrs. They had agreed to do some religious things. Like vows but no priests. Her father wanted to do the marriage. But Issei had decided to just simply exchange vows and give no religion power here. That was fine.
The Guests were happy too. Freed and Caroline were here. As were the perpetuals. Dimitri was grinning like a loon with Akari on his arm gushing about him. Irina was talking to Arthur about her recent battle. Jeanne plus Tsubaki and a ghost figure of Liara were all talking in a few seats. Liara had been surprised to be invited. But Issei had simply said that she was technically family through his horny French sister. Falere was sitting with Asia and the two were murmuring things to each other. Kuroka was crying crocodile tears while Shirone wants to slap her. But Jiro was just slothful enough to not be rude.
The Phenexs were happy mingling about with Argel sighing after he hears another story from Riser of Karlamine and her newest battle in Africa. The other siblings are with their significant others and enjoying the free food.
Sona was standing with Ingvild and Le Fay in a small group giggling. They were happy for Ravel. Sona sees three figures in the back of the wedding area. One is very foggy and seems to be a man? The other two are Issei's parents. They are talking to the unknown figure. Miki is asking something, and Gorou is listening to a story apparently. Issei punched Akio forward and the other man landed on the platform face first. Akio groans.
"You're an ass."
"That is for when we were six and you were a pervert. Now stop crying about it. Your still my best friend."
Akio mumbles a quick fuck you before he stands again and gets a blown kiss from Akeno. That makes Akio better. Issei does not gag like he wants to but Irina does. Rossweiss is nowhere close to the alcohol. Hadrian had made an extremely easy to understand order for the catering team. They had gulped but obeyed. Daliea and the Ai rushed in here quickly because they had been busy with stuff. They were mostly here. But Cawl sat as far away from his eldest sister as possible. Hadron mumbled something about Varlets. And Zagreus and Koriele caught up. The two had a very cold relationship. But they were not enemies.
Music started to play. It was incredibly old fashioned and Argel, who has fled from Riser earlier for this walks Ravel down the aisle. She is in a beautiful red and gold dress and Issei is stunned by how beautiful his first wife is in it. He unconsciously growls softly. Akio is weirded by that but slaps his friend. That stops the growls. But Ingvild is disappointed that they are gone. Sona is amused by that and then gets scared. Le Fay is blushing at the former noise. Why must Sona be the normal one with purrs?
Ravel is beaming when she hears the noise. Argel looks offended but he and his wife know now that Issei is the Red Dragon Emperor too and that was not on purpose. He sighed again and just continued walking his daughter down the aisle. He handed Ravel off and whispered something to Issei. The groom nodded before softly apologizing. The Vows are spoken.
"I promise to make my years, centuries and eventually millennium with you the best possible. In sickness and health. We are intertwined so very much. You are not my queen in many trees. But you carry us. You are the one who wins our fights. I will never ignore your advice. You will never be thought less of for disagreeing with me. I love you eternal. My Empress of Fire."
"You are the best thing to have ever happened to me. You made me into the person I am now. I was not like many trees where I was arrogant in the extreme. You were my sun and you have made many see the stars anew. I will never make you feel worthless and will love everything about you. Even your flaws. But let us never stop building this together. My most wonderful Emperor."
Antony and Argel come forward. Ravel loses her cloak that has her former house emblem. Argel is actually tearing up. Antony brings a new cloak with the Palatine Aquilla. The Custodian hands it to Issei. But there is another addition to it. A Phenex with its head equal to the Aquilla. Issei gently fasted the cloak to his wife. Miki wails out a cry of happiness for being here. She wished she were alive for her baby and his special day. But the stranger next to the Hyoudou's gently claps his hands and that started the applause. The Sigilites cheer and they each think of their dream days. Daliea cries happy tears knowing Dad got his first dream started. The one nearest to his heart. Her siblings cheer for their dad too. Cawl especially because he has a few ideas for a family activity after the wars.
A dark heresy game with himself as DM. He will pitch that idea in a few weeks. Issei and Ravel exchanged rings and then kiss as husband and wife. The day has been recorded and will be shown to the Noosphere after everyone has departed.
The Vid is released two hours later and across the world the human race who supports their Emperor raises glasses to him. Even the hydra. The Alpha Legion had enjoyed their gene grandmother and her day. They had been drinking when a new group of people approached them. The man in the center of the five new speaks up.
"Hello. I am Chapter Master Malcom. You are Alpharius yes? We Water Dragons are eager to meet you. I understand we have our differences. Especially our past Reincarnation. But we here March for Macragge and know you have Courage and Honor."
Hetman Wilhelm nodded to the second legion.
"We are indeed Alpharius. Nice to meet you cousins. We are not at all like the first hydra, we are starting the slate fresh. Come join us! We were about to try a new beer that Gramps had made for us so we could drink. Called it Fenrisian Ale. We might not have all the organs yet like you but that is something we do have. Names Hetman Wilhelm. My second is Victor. We are happy to work alongside you."
The two legions mingle here in a base in Russia. The Alpha Legion has a recruitment center in Berlin. A gesture to the first Unification Party in Europe where their recruits will come from. The Water Dragons will have theirs in a place being built for them in the States, but they will come from North America. The legions have combat tomorrow against the Russians. They are helping in a city that has declared themselves openly for the Imperium. The population had rioted so hard they chased the Russian government out of the city. Three Death Korps regiments and a regiment of the Lucifer Blacks were being sent to fortify the city. Ad hoc militias have broken into armories in the city and armed themselves and have started to spread out to capture the surrounding towns which have joined the riots. More regiments would be moved to reinforce it further.
Issei and Ravel are in a small villa in the Italian countryside, and they enjoy this day and will definitely enjoy the night. Ravel loves her ring a simple ruby that dances with fire. His is also simple. But Ravel whispered to her dear a request and grins perversely. Issei raises an eyebrow but nodded.
"We can do that yes. Just tell me when it is too much, and I will stop immediately. Let me guess Akeno suggested that?"
Ravel smirks perversely.
"Nope. That was Yuna. Akeno likes to play ultra dark, but she does like romance too. Yuna was the one I liked the most out of the old peerage. Which reminds me. Please take it out of me. I do not want it there."
"It will hurt."
"I do not care. I am trading up. A bishop for an Empress. Besides, I have more blackmail on Sona now. She is a lightweight. Not Rose bad but she is like her dad."
Sona is cheering with an equally drunk Serafall and Kuroka. Le Fay watching them in amusement. Ingvild is snoring peacefully, and Asia is still talking with Falere. They have really bonded. Asia is just like Falere innocent of a relationship. But they both like Kuroka and her tails. The three drunks are singing away when two more drunks joined in. Devdin and Zectus Followed singing that was like a siren to them. But it really was cringe-inducing. Still the five start a new song.
Renee and Velelana are watching in amusement. Then another drunk joined. Sirzechs can actually sing when drunk. Grayfia is happy he is much more relaxed. She watched on as the now six drunks sing a new song that Sirzechs is carrying.
"For Terra the great! For you we sing!"
Rias is happy for her ship. She wished she were there for the first wedding of the man she could of married. But she has this and now Kenji. They sealed the deal today. Rias is attracted by her pawn. He wants to be a doctor and help worlds in need of medicine. That is admirable and sexy for Rias. The ship crew is happy, and they have prepared to move the relay. A new cheer has come from the gunners.
"Praise the Sun! The bringer of their Doom!"
An. Yay. It has done. More things happened for the citadel and its people. And finally, the very last Sigillite in a Quarian from the Zorah family utterly the last. I settled on eight finally after so much flip flopping. Sadly, it is not Tali. But a new character. And yes the forth wall gets broken badly. Credit is truly a bitch and he is not like the brave Volus Biotics in multiplayer. Kick ass space dwarf there. But he is definitely all about the merch! Plus, little guy Gasper the little guy Inquisitor just being a little guy. And his new gremlin coworker who is based off my best friend. Damn punny guy. Forth wall me is not coming back again. Just happier than when I started this. I think I am getting closer to the end of the story. Still heavily debating that. But I am still fifty fifty. Book two will be about several things. Mainly the space stuff. But very iffy. I want to finish this and try my hand at a possible new idea. A new tree. It sounds extremely good in theory. But we will see.
Ann. Yes. Doesn't elaborate leaves. But in truth Neoth and Athame being a thing was more because you get lonely being a mortal that becomes a god. And Athame being a thirsty pervert. For my polish reviewer thats fair about Mortarian. Incredibly fair because you right. Mortarian is like Perturabo and is just a prick. Perturabo makes up for his prick self by being extremely competent when not decimating his legion. Mortarian doesnt have that. Death Guard get hard carried by Garro. I like Mortarian in just one way and that is the fact Mortarian is not forgettable like poor Jaghatie. Jag is based in the extreme. White Scars are extremely underrated. I hear you do strange things to your ships. I hear you do strange things to your warriors. great insult there.