Roots hold the past, while the fruit holds the Future.
Chapter 30 Quest and Memories Part 3
Horus walked through the halls wanting to have a couple of words with Alpharius, It had been very clear that she was engaging in suspicious behavior, or to say lack of participation. Horus even recollected that Alpharius had the dullest reaction out of all of them to Issei. To not show any interest at all was questionable enough.
Alpharius was even lacking communication with all of them, she seemed to be lurking in the shadows. Horus's war claw had tightened in irritation, swearing if Alpharius had anything to do with Sanguinius or Issei's conditions she would put her down in the ground. She had done it two times before, she would do it again if it meant their safety. Alpharius had a special room at the end of the right wing of the building. Horus marched in the halls having one goal in mind; Where is Alpharius?
"Horus!" Russ yelled out from behind. Horus quickly turned around to see Russ with a stern face. Horus stood still and sooner or later she had to confront her sisters about the situation. Taking the chance she faced Russ expecting a harsh wrath upon her; possibly a swift punch to the face. Though Russ slowly approached Horus carrying herself with a steadfast pace.
"We need to have a talk sister," Russ said.
"Of course Russ," Horus didn't use any flare or friendly tone. She was giving Russ her full attention and respect.
"I apologize for not-." Horus was cut off by Russ who scoffed at her answer.
"I'm not mad at you, so knock off the suck-up tears, Not even mad at Sanguinius, I just have some questions," Russ said. gaining Horus's attention. "I just want to know how long you knew about Sanguinius's condition,"
The question flung Horus into confusion at how Russ was so calm and collected, Though Horus knew better under that warrior was a cold-calculated general.
"It was during one of our campaigns together, I caught an event of one of Sanguinius Legionaries slowly falling into the gene flaw, Sanguinius personally laid that soldier to rest," Horus said remembering that dark day. Russ simply scratched the back of her head.
"I see why you didn't want to betray your sisterly bond, I understand," Russ said though she soon sternly gazed at Horus, "But why didn't she say anything to Father?"
"You know why Russ, remember how unstable Malayalam and her legion gene-seed became after she was taken over by those damn Xenos, they were growing extra limbs," Horus said in a grave tone of voice. Horus remembered the pain of losing one of her sisters. Though having to purge, the Legion was another thing. Her father, the emperor, ordered it. Then after it was purified, it was given to Guilliman. Horus assumed that Sanguinius might hide her flaw from the emperor, out of fear but it was more than that, it was out of the fact she didn't want the imperium to see her as a monster, and see one of the emperor's greatest children fall. Breaking the great illusion of his greatest generals. It's why they covered up the other two Matriarchs' fall from grace.
"Russ, you know she did it, that's who she is," Horus said, stating the truth.
"Aye but why would she fear that, I know it must have been eating her alive inside, we could have all helped her, you know how much we love her!" Russ said in unwavering compassion. "I wish we all could take that burden off her shoulders,"
"I know," Horus said when thinking at how hopeless the situation was, that odd hope of Issei appeared in her mind. Anytime that teenager got caught up in combat something miraculous happened.
"Thank goodness Issei was able to subdue her, even if it did cost him greatly," Horus said. With great regret in her voice.
"We owe that boy a great debt once we're all off this planet, not to mention how he'll react to our ways of war," Russ said. Though Russ could tell Horus wasn't here for her but for something else, as long as they were here it was appropriate to speak about the subject.
Horus understood what Russ meant, soon or after Issei would have to witness how they waged war or subjugate a planet. They'll worry about that road when they cross it. She would even have to talk to Vulkan about being a new breaker but seeing how the gentle giant wouldn't leave Issei's side it was a hopeful opportunity.
"My deep fear of Issei was a shortcoming of mine, but I swear after this I will personally guide him through this harsh galaxy," Horus declared, wanting to protect the others. Russ had let out a laugh at the promise.
"What's so funny?" Horus asked, wanting to know what was silly about her promise.
"My, aren't we acting so bold, You're going to have to fight the others off, to at least get hold of his hand sister," Russ let out in an amused tone of voice. Horus blushed at the comment, insinuating that she had feelings for him. Well she did have the connotation to protect him but that was, there are no romantic feelings whatsoever. "Dammint, why is everyone thinking I'm after him, I'm not," Horus did not notice the blush on her face. Russ laughed at her reaction.
"Fine let it be whatever you think but I have to find Alpharius," Horus said then an idea popped into her mind. Here was the fierce wolf queen, it couldn't help to have some extra muscle. Before Horus could ask the question.
"Could join, I'm so bored and I doubt that Xeno is gonna try and rush in the house," Russ said. Horus smiled and nodded.
"Of course let us go," Horus said as the two began to walk to the end of the hallway, seeing Alpharius's room was just ahead to the right. Horus was at the front of the wooden door and thought about what to say to Alpharius, her bureaucrat's brain was looking for the right thing to say, the most important thing is a good entrance. Russ could tell by the way Horus was looking she was going to make a big speech that would take an eternity to finish. So she would be the one to knock.
Russ kicked open the door slamming it open and breaking the lock off its bolts. Horus had an annoyed glare and her mouth was slack jaw open.
"Really! I was about to open the door!" Horus said in anger. Russ shrugged her shoulders and walked into the room. Alpharius was in the room, her helmet off and her gaze on the two of them. She was rarely seen without her helmet. She had white hair that reached her ears. Purple eyes were like amethyst, that shined with mystery. Her slim face and pale white skin made her so approachable. Though her face lacked any emotions like she was a cold-blooded statue.
"What are you two doing here?" Alpharius asked, more confused than angry.
"Will be the ones asking the question!" Russ shot back. Then swiftly turned toward Horus. "Yes, what are we doing here?"
"We're here to ask about where you were during the great commotion that went on outside," Horus asked. Alpharius had calm and dead eyes.
"I was at the far end of the building when Sanguinius was completely out of control," Alpharius said. Horus was calm but Russ found something odd about her sister.
"You heard all that racket and you didn't even decide to check it out, what's wrong with you?" Russ asked. She heard how bad the stories were, and saw how much damage there was as well. If she were truly there, she would've helped. Horus was still calm and nodded her head.
"Understand, I was also hoping to ask about the spear, it seems Fulgrim lost it during the scuffle, unfortunately, I can't ask her, but do you know where it is?" Horus asked. Alpharius remains like a statue and answers calmly.
"No, I do not know."
Russ found the answer to be a bit disconcerting not understanding why they were here. What was Horus doing?
"I still want to know, one more thing, what is your opinion on Issei?" She asked. Alpharius's stone-cold mask cracked. Showing a flicker of emotion that looked to be a worry. There was silence in the room as Alpharius was quiet. Russ now knew why they were there, was Horus simply suggesting that Alpharius was trying to hurt, or possibly assassinate Issei? That would be such a treacherous act, but Alpharius had been so distant and what is the master of espionage, so it could mean?
"Come on out with it!" Russ yelled. Alpharius was still calm even with the rude outburst that Russ gave her.
"I believe he's a miraculous child, who can greatly improve the imperium of man, and if I were to doubt anything he said, would make me a fool," Alpharius said. Russ narrowed her eyes something was amiss. Things weren't adding up, under Alpharius's cool mask there was a storm of panic or should she Omegon? Though she would keep calm and never break.
"Thank you, that's all I wanted to know," Horus asked in a polite tone of voice. Russ was about to let out the accusation but was stopped when Horus put a strong hand on her shoulder. Russ knew Horus had a plan and she would follow it.
"Let's be on our way, there's still that filthy Xeno we have to take care of, Oh be sure to visit Issei any company would be great for him especially since you're not busy," Horus said. The two soon departed from the room. Omegon narrowed her eyes at the two of them, they knew something was wrong but what would she do? It didn't matter, the great plan was still operating.
Horus and Russ walked to the other side of the building. While Horus was calm, Russ was a bit confused by the actions that just happened. What was the point of asking all these questions? The matriarch wanted to know what tactic this was.
"She is lying," Horus said, fleeing the questioning gaze of Russ behind her head.
"How can you tell," Russ asked. Though she knew that Alpharius was hiding something as well, it was a gut feeling for talking to Alpharius; it felt like talking to deceit itself.
"I asked about a disturbance, I never said anything about Sanguinius," Horus said.
"We must keep a steady eye on her but I know we are incapable of such stealth," Horus said. Russ raised an eyebrow at the comment. Then she realized who they would need for such a task.
"I'll do it, she has been acting strange for a while," Corvus said. The two spun around to see Corvus who had been hiding in the shadows. Horus knew she had to ask her but would their past struggles affect the plan? The raven and the Luna wolf had a bad history, in truth, it was orders that led to many loss of soldiers on a certain battlefield, and Corvus never forgave Horus for it.
"Will you watch them?" Horus asked. Russ was expecting a very loud argument, but instead replaced it with an answer.
"Yes," Corvus answers. She may have despised the perfect child, but she wouldn't let her emotions get the best of her in these dire times especially if that hydra was acting up. Horus smiles and clicks her teeth in anger.
"Let us begin," She said.
Issei was walking through the darkness, thinking about how Sanguinius had suffered from this disease. It was so disturbing in so many aspects. Not to mention she was one of the top generals in the imperium of man. The more Issei walked down this rabbit hole, things were becoming more clear. He wanted their father the emperor. He had so many questions to ask why was he doing all of this?
Issei pondering ended when the void slowly turned into a well-furnished and wealthy room. He quickly saw he was standing on the marble floor. The dark red drapes that hang from the wall. The elegant marble coliseums were lined up against the walls.
His eye caught Sanguinis at the other side of the room, wearing a white toga. Issei couldn't help but think that anything she wore somehow looked amazing in it. She appeared to stress in this memory. To Issei's eyes, she looked nervous. There was a crack of light that entered the room. Issei quickly walked over and peeked out the red drapes. He was astounded to see what was outside. Past the drapes lead to a giant white balcony and they were pretty high up, from the looks of things. Though Issei could see a space marine, not just one but an entire legion of them. there must've been a hundred thousand of them. Not to mention the million countless men and women wearing army uniforms. The greatness of the guardsmen lined up like toy soldiers. Issei was surprised to see how many people were outside, he had never seen this many people in one place before
"Keep calm Sanguinis you must keep yourself calm, they are looking at you as a beacon," Sanguinis said, trying to stay calm and strong. "I won't let fall to that curse,"
Issei could see how she was holding back a beast howl. That's how it would always go in the constant ongoing battle. That was inside the mind of Sanguinius. The angel was slowly falling apart but before she could, in some miraculous way she was able to pull herself back together. She flexed her wings and rolled her shoulders. Taking a deep breath she gazed at the curtain.
"It's time," She said walking to give a grand epic speech to the humongous crowd ahead. Issei shook his head and wondered how she did it. Issei had to find a way to remedy this disease of hers. He quickly searched for another door. Though he stopped when he saw the next door at the end of the room. Issei quickly gripped the handle but found some resistance to it.
"What?" Issei asked out loud. He felt the presence of another in the room.
"Que, what's going on?" Issei asked. The shadows whisper to him.
"You don't want to go through that door," Que said, his voice slowly losing its human tone, becoming more distorted and sounding like the wind. Issei was a bit confused by the voice.
"Uh Que you alright, you don't sound so good," Issei asked. Honestly, Que's voice was sounding a bit more intimidating than a dragon's.
"We are walking deeper into the root of the problem, my form that I would wear around you would not be suited for the situation, I also recommend not going through that door. It's a little graphic." Que warned. Issei didn't care he would do anything in his power to help and cure this matriarch of her problem. If Issei could help Angron with the butcher's nails, Konrad's visions or give Magnus a new eye. This should be no problem for him whatsoever.
"Will it take me to the problem?" Issei asked. There was a silence from the darkness.
"I won't lie, it will but going through that door you'll see the darker sides of your Paramore's," Que said.
"What is it?" The young teen asked.
"It's a memory vault full of kills, wars, and most importantly, violent memories. hell, Angron's door isn't even this big!"
"I don't care right now, I need to save Sanguinius and I can't do that while moping around, so Que let me in," Issei said with a heavy determination to end this suffering.
"Once you're in, run as fast as you can, no matter what you see, hear, or feel!" Que said with a heavy heart.
The doorknob slowly unlocked. Issei took a deep breath and slammed open the door and ran in with a great will. Issei's eyes were met with an ocean of flames. He stepped in rivers of blood and felt thousands of broken hands reaching out for him, begging him to help. Issei just remembers the words Que told him and moves his body through it all.
Run. Issei could see all the horrible war crimes, committed by Night Lords, The raging nature of the world eaters, and the cold lack of humanity that was demonstrated by the Imperial fists and the Iron warriors. The cannibal maws of the blood angels feasted on the frail and weak.
The death guard's toxic war crimes poisoned the soil, the space wolf howled in anger, while the Iron hands beat the drums of war, and Hyrdas lurked in the shadows. A record of madness and anger in the mind of a golden child
Issei felt like he was back in the forest where the bodies hung fresh to bleed. He would keep moving no matter what. The screams of so many innocent, asking for justice pounded at his ears. Issei could feel the ground under him turn into skulls. Issei forced himself to not stop, using this rage to fuel him and numbing his mind with blind rage and sheer will. Issei felt hours pass and when on the edge of failure he pushed into another door and collapsed on the ground. Issei felt like throwing up and was dry heaving on the ground. A brow of sweat beads down his face. Though staggering to get up, he was standing on his feet. Not an ounce of defeat in him.
"I'm still standing, Que!" Issei yelled into this new void of nighttime. Issei could feel the ground was hard yet an inch of water was touching his shoes. The floor was covered in water and the air was thick with condensation. He was here on the finale stage to stop this, Issei assumed.
The journey through all of that pain, knowing all of that truth still didn't affect his goal. He would free Sanguinius of her burdens even knowing what they all did still didn't change the fact he loved Angron, Konrad, and himself. All that pain that Sanguinius inflicted was given back to her tenfold to herself, thanks to the red thirst. Issei quietly waited for Que to speak.
"As I would ever doubt you, now that we're on the final step, all you have to do is look ahead, and the problem will show itself," Que said in a relaxed voice. Issei was thrown off by his voice and everything he had been saying so far had been ominous, why so nonchalant?
Issei was about to speak when his vision was blind by a flash of light. The young teen was taken back and covered his eyes to recover from such an attack. Slowly regaining his vision he could see far ahead of him, two beings locked in fighting. Angel of darkness and A angel of light. In a gridlock of battle. These two entities did not have describable features. Only the idea of the concepts themselves was wrapped around each other, fighting for control.
"Oh, so that's what you meant you old fool," Issei said in a sarcastic tone of voice. Though seeing this wasn't a memory, but something more. Being in the center of the soul of Sanguniuis, while an epic celestial battle was just happening inside of her every day since the moment she was born.
"Time to make you two get along, whether you like it or not," Issei growled.
In the waking world, Issei lay, being watched over by Pertuabo who was working more on the force field surrounding Issei. Pertuabo wanted to take more precautions.
The Lion had returned at the right moment seeing, Mortarion was finished with certain parts of the device. Mortarion was a bit annoyed but easily prevailed against the Issei's lewd nature. Though she could tell one thing about Issei, that this great weight of lust was a shield.
Mortarion could see how he used it to protect himself. She found it strange, witnessing how Issei did it. Each video was a plea for help though he held it in while moving forward. Moving with the pain, something that Mortarion would always respect in a world of pain, the struggle gave strength. The Lion was a bit intrigued to see she was unfazed by the phone, though anything to get past that horrible prevented history was a breath of fresh air.
"I see you're still standing," The Lion said, standing in a spot where she could view the phone. Mortarion sighed and waved the answer off.
"Nevermind that, more interesting information yet to come, I believe this is where I will see Issei first of, oh what did they call them, slave battles?" Mortarion asked not wanting to give those demons an ounce of satisfaction or acknowledgment. The Lion gave a soft sigh.
"Rating games," The Lion answered. She wanted to see how these games work and was hoping to use them to dismantle this supernatural world. Taking her time she tapped on the screen showing the battle between Rias and Riser. The two watched the battle and deconstructed every second of it. Though there were many words they could use to describe the match they witnessed, the main one that came to both of their minds…disappointment. This Rias' was unimpressive to them, her leadership, strategy, and destructive power were pathetic and that was their generous opinion; all that proved to be her downfall. She seemed so arrogant in her ways of battle. Perturabo without looking she could tell what part of the match they were watching, and had many more unkind words about this game, even Issei was too reckless in this match. Even a Kommissar in training would have more common sense at leading an attack.
"She needed to stick more together with her troops instead of being apart, it seems many of them had personal trophy matches," The Lion said. "Issei was supposed to be their ace and yet they seemed to rely on him too much,"
"They already failed the battle, having a so-called ace, victory must not rely on one element," Mortarion said, in a cool calm tone of voice. Yet she detested this slave and master relationship, Issei had been more in this love-forced servitude. All she saw was someone needed to be liberated from shackles. The Lion had found this Riser to be annoyingly arrogant, it seemed so easy to beat him, and yet the failure baffled her. Not to mention seeing Issei's willingness to sacrifice himself to save his master to be noble even if it was for the wrong cause. Though there was one thing she couldn't forgive about the match. Much worse than all those lewd images.
Was that servant Kiba, his swordsmanship skills offended her, just looking at his outdated stances and that hunk of metal he carried around clearly made her upset, she was no artist, but she knew many things about the blade, and the one he carried was outlandish. The two matriarchs watched and truly were intrigued by this world's inhabitants. Though all of them called themself different races, they could have been categorized as sub-humans. Sadly that attitude they carried would be their downfall.
"He gave all his might and he still couldn't beat him, it's amazing how far he's come to defeat one of us," The Lion said.
"I do find that weapon he held a bit impractical, why not hide then let him boost, then get in a shot on that king, why did they focus on the other players, this isn't chest," Mortarion said. "It seems this Rias' confused the two."
"How could that Rias not catch onto Riser's bluff, even if killing a slave to another household wouldn't hold him to any crime, it would damage his family reputation, and it would clearly show he's a mindless brat. Then she could still say no and the damage caused would obviously have to cut off relations to each other, she let her emotions get the better of her," The Lion said. Mortarion scoffed at the idea of a slave master actually caring for her property.
"If she truly cared for them, she wouldn't have a slave!" Mortarion thought. While one issue did rise to both of them. Why weren't they wearing any armor to this battle, hell one of Rias' breasts was open to the world to see and it made the Lion furious. She knew that devil girl could afford it but she clearly didn't have the brain for it. They lacked weapons and plans. Mortarion felt the urge to punch a hole in the wall. Mortarion gazed at Issei having one thought.
"How did you find peace during the struggle," She thought.
This whole match was to stop Rias' arrange marriage and yet she failed miserably, falling for the threat of Riser a shame. The next messages and personal notes explained how Issei was in great sleep and yet his next action surprised the two. Instead of expecting his loss, Issei marched down to the underworld and challenge this high devil and ended up winning. He used something stronger than power, resourcefulness.
The two couldn't help but find how Issei even beaten down had come back stronger, they could see the human ingenuity in those eyes. Even if he was a devil the Matriarchs could see how human he was. They found it informative, Mortarion could see how each time he was beaten down he was getting back up, to her it was hopeful but how could he keep that smile that made him happy?
The Lion was possibly wrong about Issei's motive, though his unpredictable power may be a problem. Issei did have a noble heart only now she wished, she hadn't been so cold towards the young man. So much had happened and he will need all the guidance he can. The Lion would offer an apology if necessary to mend a relationship to help Issei grow.
Perturabo who was working hard on the device. Still so close to making it work. Though she would need a power source and the only thing that could possibly work, was rist Plasma gun that was in her suit. She took it off and lodge it behind the machine. Wiring and wielding it shut, the finale thing step was here the test. With a single push of a button, a blue radio wave flashed and sent an ongoing signal. Perturabo held in her smile that had sent it out, it was done, their salvation to freedom was close at hand. The message had been sent, now the important question was when they would appear in their space system.
Perturabo kept calm and didn't want to disturb the other two, she thought they would get in her way. Though right now she would keep a watch over Issei. That was the most important prize to protect. She gazed down at him and couldn't help but think how lost he was. In truth she didn't mind when Issei was around her, in some miraculous way, his presence was keeping Perturabo's mind sane and patient. Seeing the eye of terror no longer but now darkness.
"I know why your master thought so little of you after that match against her cousin, she wanted to hear you say her name, what a silly girl," She thought.
She wonder how he did it, what unknown power made him control the shadows. How could he push back an internal force inside her? A feat was only possible from her father, it was like Issei was an unnatural counter to them. Now that the homing beacon was complete and sending out SOS, Perturabo could focus on another side project she had, studying Issei Hyoudou. While also deep within the phone archive were many poems he wrote, she wouldn't have minded teaching Issei how to write better and possibly further herself as well.
Unknown to all of them a clown was lurking in the shadows watching over them with wicked glee behind her mask. The harlequin had broken into the house days ago, this primal shack was a walk in the park for her. She was waiting for the right time to strike and bring back the bounty needed to her lord and master. She did however watch the show on the phone as well learning more on her target. She had to hide her laughs seeing how this mortal could make these gods of war angry and annoyed. The Eldar harlequin had one question in her mind.
"Why does this Mon'keigh have a such fascination with breasts!" She thought. It seemed there was no limit to it, she even joked in her mind that not even the prince of pleasure hadn't this much joy from them. She laughed at that idea, a god being outdone by one human. Then it dawned on her, is this the reason why her master wanted to come here? Can this mere human kill a god? She began to ponder more on the subject, The shadows he controlled seemed to be unique in absorbing light. She could feel the lack of light in his soul dark than a blank, yet not uncomfortable to be around in fact it drew you in; like a black hole.
A maw that feasted on all creation. This could be the chance to save the Eldar, Though if she was here the other of her kind would be as well. A move needed to be made soon or else. A problem was in her way if she moved an inch those matriarchs would tear her limb from limb.
Lorgar and Mangnus climb the tree using their bare hands, the wood surface was easy for them to dig their fingers in. They dangled high above as they could see the atmosphere was changing as well, the oxygen was getting thicker, but it was no problem for the two of them. There was still a great distance until they reached the top.
Magnus of course led the way acting as a guide and compass. Lorgar was following close behind and wanted nothing more than to see Malayalam again; she was trying to hold herself back from not passing her sister.
Lorgar held many regrets in her life but the biggest one had to be not going there to save Malayalam when the funding attacked. Malayalam wanted to set up peace negotiations first but that proved to be her downfall. All of her sisters including Lorgar told her dreams of peace were foolish and worst of all called her a disappointment to their father. Lorgar now with fresh eyes, wanting to know the truth, regretted her choice of words.
"Father, all I wanted to know was the truth, and now knowing it, I shouldn't have put so much faith into you, when all you wanted was general. I am not in your light but I have found a shadow who can show me better," Lorgar thought. Wanting nothing more than to make the wrong right.
Magnus could hear how Lorgar was keeping a steady pace. She glanced at the horizon seeing they were losing daylight. She let go of the tree and her body did not fall but floated. She used this simple trick and smiled.
Magnus flew by her sister, with a cocky smirk. "Shall I assist you? Or do you want to postpone your meeting with Malayalam,"
Lorgar rolled her eyes and gave a soft chuckle. No longer did she have that holier-than-thou attitude. Now knowing their origins was starting to become a little clearer every day.
"I would be a fool not to accept, so please may you assist me?" Lorgar asked. The moment Lorgar answered, she felt her body levitate off the tree. Now floating off the ground she laughed at the action as the two soared to the top. There was no sharp point to this mighty tree but a grand platform made out of this grand giant tree. To Lorgar It looked like a giant lily pad sat on top of the tree top. They could feel tiny raindrops hitting their face while the air became warmer. Lorgar thought it was strange, and figured it was just how this odd world worked. Magnus couldn't wrap her mind around how this miracle of nature formed. To all her logic this top part of the tree should have fallen off.
It was then a closer look at the bottom of the lily pad, they could see large amounts of steams, pushing up the structure. Magnus soon connected the dots, this lily pad was making so much heat that, the hot air acted as support. It was quite a unique site. Lorgar began to write it down what she was seeing. Her legion would never believe this.
After an hour of flying, they soon raised above the giant plant pad. They could now have a top view above. It appeared the land on top was flat, with the leafy ground, having an emerald shine to it. Tall grass grew from the gem floor. While more toward the center area a deep fog settled in that area.
Lorgar narrowed her eyes to notice something strange from the leafy ground, She couldn't quite make out what it was. A closer inspection was needed. The two floated gently to the green floor. Despite how thin the ground looked it was quite firm.
Magnus couldn't help it but this place reminded her how small she was. Que had installed that friendly reminder of how big her world was and how it didn't always bend to her will. Lorgar could finally see what she could not perceive from afar. She carefully took some steps to see, the arrow lying on the ground; well to a normal person, it would be a spear, Though the Matriarch could tell it was made to be an arrow.
Lorgar went to examine more of this strange manmade thing. There were hundreds of arrows scattered across the floor. If Magnus was tracking Malayalam, this would be an odd site. Malayalam rarely carried a weapon she was a woman of peace, Though Icarion that was a different story. In Lorgar memories that woman was a monster in battle, she had mastered every weapon just for the fun of it. Lorgar had a chill thinking about meeting Icarion again, it was never brought up in the public eye, but a long time ago. The two got into a conflict multiple times.
That sadly ended with Lorgar getting beat in a brutal fashion. She didn't want to bring it to her father after what happened. Icarion was known to cut off other paths. It was best known that Icarion hated Fulgrim and the two would constantly spare ending with Fulgrim being the loser, thankfully it was away from any prying eyes.
"Oh please tell me we didn't come all the way here to locate Icarion," Lorgar thought in a painful nostalgia. Then Lorgar stopped when she could feel the presence of another near them. Magnus turned to face the fog her staff appeared out of thin air. Lorgar slowly walks to Magnus's side. Lorgar began to think about her choice of words, right now Issei's life was in her hand.
Magnus could feel Malayalam finding in the fog, she wanted to let a joy tear, knowing she could see Malayalam again. Her sister who she held a close bond with. She tried to think of the word but they won't come out. Magnus felt great shame for not saving Malayalam from her fate but she couldn't dwell in the past, It was time to do the one thing she hadn't done for a long time. Saying sorry.
A figure became visible to them in the fog. They could see this being was the same height as Lorgar. Magnus tried to think of Issei's humbleness to use as a reference.
Lorgar felt her heart skip a beat waiting for this Martiach to appear out of the fog. They waited for her to step out of it. Magnus of course held no ill will to action but hurting Malayalam would not be something that sat well with her. Lorgar couldn't take all this pain anymore and stood with confidence her dark knight was counting on her.
"Sister please we need to speak to you," Lorgar finally spoke up. Magnus wanted to shush her but the silhouette with a mighty swing pushed the fog towards them. Quickly the two drew their weapons. When the fog was gone and settled one stood in their way. Lorgar and Magnus felt like they were looking at a ghost from their past.
Malayalam was alive in front of their eyes. She wore an item of ragged brown clothing. It appeared to be stitched together out of plant fibers. Her skin seemed to be paler. Lorgar also noticed how her side of her clothing seems to be lumpy; like her clothing was hiding something underneath her rag. While that happy glow she was known for was replaced with a wave of gloomy anger. The eyes of restlessness were laid upon them. They both waited for her response, what great and wise objection she would make.
"No, Go away," Malayalam said quickly ingoing them and setting cross leg. Malayalam closed her eyes and began to meditate. Lorgar and Magnus both glanced at each other with baffled looks. In all their years of dealing with their sisters that was a new experience for them. A short quick answer, clearly ignoring the entire state of the situation. Even Rogal could have made it sound better.
Malayalam opened one of her eyes, gazing at the two. "You're still here,"
"Of course, we're here! We came here to bring you back!" Lorgar answered with a bit of anger. Malayalam simply closed her eyes and began to meditate. Magnus quickly puts a hand on Lorgar's shoulder to calm her down. It was now her turn to take the more charismatic lead.
"Malayalam my dear-," Magnus was cut off by Malayalam her tone of voice becoming more annoyed.
"Go Away!" She said. Her hands became bawled as the two were still here. "I don't want to go, I am not a tool no longer, I have my free will again, so leave me be."
Lorgar felt saddened at her sister's state she had to mend the damage done by the great crusade. Before she could say anything. Malayalam cut them off again almost like she knew when they would talk.
"I suggest you walk away and back to the world built on the back of death, Icarion has been following me for days now and I doubt she would be happy to see you," Malayalam said. The two had a sudden moment of realization that Icarion was near them but she could wait. Lorgar slowly went to her knees and met Malayalam at her eye level; Malayalam was tall as Rogal, a giant in her own right. Lorgar knew Malayalam wouldn't come while they spoke in these false words so she would try a different approach. Malayalam always did have a bleeding heart for others, if she were to hear about Issei and Sanguinius's conditions, that doctor's oath she took, shall get her out of this state of suffering.
"Please sister I beg you, lives are on the line and we need you to lend your aid. There is someone special to me- I mean all of us," Lorgar said, correcting herself to not draw suspicion on her crush on Issei. Though it failed epically as Magnus rolled her eyes. "This boy is from an age long seen gone and holds great power within him that could even put an end to the great Crusade, I'm not asking for you to come back and join the war or face Father. All I want is for Issei to be safe and healthy. I beg of you to aid us in these trying times and any past comments and remarks that I have done to you I apologize, perhaps even I was blind to our father's light."
Lorgar chose to leave out Sanguinius for she feared it would somehow interfere with Malayalam choice. She was truly pouring her heart out.
There was a period of silence between them all waiting for the right answer to come out of Malayalam mouth.
"I will not go back to being a tool for a monster!" Malayalam shot back. Magnus wanted to bring some sense to her sister.
"And what would you even do here, waste away while time passes by? No! we are not made to sit and waste away." Magnus said showing off her power making illusions of the golden castle of Terra trying to show that their pain and struggle were not in vain. Malayalam gave a sarcastic laugh at the comment.
"The great crusade is the greatest mistake I ever made, I lost my home, my legion, and most of all I broke my code to help others! Our father did that Magnus, he broke the worlds and people!" Malayalam shouted raising her voice. "This great crusade and world can go to the pits for all I care! The Emperor is a liar, look what that monster failed to help Konrad and Angron"
Lorgar was in great pain seeing her sister become this poor hermit. Surround by nothing with broken arrows all around her. A reminder of her failures of not taking action. She understood how Malayalam was in deep despair. Taking a deep breath she reached for kind words at the bottom of her heart.
"Sister I know why you dislike Father. Even I can see he's not perfect, don't let that hatred blind you to the truth, Issei a person who could change the imperium, make the wrongs right needs your help, please! You may not be general but surely still the best doctor in the universe, who fought back against a plunge of rot on her homeworld. So don't walk away and destroy but use your helping hands to heal!" Lorgar said with all her heart. Magnus and Malayalam were both shocked to hear Lorgar say anything negative about their father. Malayalam's face showed an ounce of empathy that somewhere in this shell was a burning flame. Lorgar felt her hope rise only for it to be crushed as Malayalam pushed those feelings aside.
"NO!" Malayalam said.
"What!" Lorgar asked.
"If the boy dies he dies, no exceptions in this cold, dark world we live in, that's the world you chose, especially some nobody mortal!" Malayalam said in a dark tone of voice. Magnus was surprised by the answer. How could she say something so cold and inhuman? Lorgar felt something inside her snap as her legs moved on their own.
The next moment became a blur as Lorgar punches Malayalam in the face sending her a couple of feet back. Magnus quickly used her warp sorcery to hold Lorgar down. Though she could not hold the raging storm in Lorgar after those comments.
"Lorgar, that's enough!" Magnus ordered. Though in the heat of the moment. Manguns felt a sharp arrow piercing her shoulder. Making her lose the concentration of the spell that held down Lorgar. She felt the arrow dig into her flesh. She gazed across the other side to see Malayalam holding a giant wooden bow.
Her eye narrowed at her lost sister. The situation had escalated, but she would quickly put it down. Her hand lit up with comic energy. Malayalam let out a frustrated snarl.
"I will never go back with you monster, I have had enough of the lies, wars, and politics. Our Father is a liar and monster! We could have not been generals, but people, until he took that from us," She screams in pure disgust. Lorgar held her mace, ready, and Magnus readying a powerful incantation. Though when she tried to tap into the warp, she felt a bit dizzy.
Then Magnus' balance suddenly became nonexistent as her equilibrium was taken away from her. She landed on her knee wondering what had just happened to her. "What's happening to me?" Magnus gazed at the arrow in her shoulder, as it began to spread a black fungal into her veins.
"The arrow 's been poisoned!" She said, feeling her connection to the warp weakening. It was a slow process, she did rip the arrow right out of her shoulder, and the effects became absent, as she was back in fighting condition. While the black fungus was pushed out with her healing.
"I have been waiting for this moment for a long time, soon the others will face my wrath," Malayalam declared. In this defining hour that happened high above the clouds.
Down below the others waited at the roots. They all had stoic expressions on their face. Konrad was waiting for some action but told herself to wait, her thoughts of violence and causing terror worsted. She was sitting on the ground holding her hands. Fulgrim was fixing her hair trying to find a style, that worked for her and Angron was watching the flames, in a calm manner, just enjoying the blase and the warmth it gave.
"Angron do you think this hairstyle looks good on me?" Fulgrim asked. Angron looked at her hair to form an opinion but in all honesty, she did no nothing about fashion. It wasn't pass time in her life.
"Fashion is not my strong suit sister," Angron answered. Fulgrim glanced at the two with a soft gaze.
"It appears, I lack the right to eyes to judge me, I can't even ask Konrad, because she was running around naked during her younger years," Fulgrim said, not as an insult but a statement.
"I was wearing clothes!" Konrad shot back. She didn't want to argue but she would make sure the facts were right. "Besides I know Issei has heard I wasn't a righteous person but he doesn't need to know the details."
Angron frowned at what Konrad said. "He has the right to know Konrad, especially if he's your panther,"
Konrad looked away from them and back to the tree wanting to rid herself of this feeling. That dark sense telling her to fight and kill was deep in her heart. Angron didn't want drama not right now. "Konrad whether you like it or not you'll have to him of the night hunter,"
Konrad lowered her head in defeat.
"I know… Do you remember, when Malcador told us we represented an aspect of our father?" Konrad asked. The Angron and Fulgrim looked confused by the question.
"Never," Angron said, who hated Malcador with a passion. She just saw him as a tyrant.
"Honslety that man just skulking in the back of the room, I didn't know he said that," Fulgrim said. Konrad lowered her head and remembered that conversation. Though it was an interesting question now it made some sense to her.
"A long time ago I thought he was lying, He told me that we are somehow an aspect of him, he told me what you all represented. Fulgrim you're his perfectionism. Lorgar is the charisma, Angron you are supposed to be his kindness."
"I find that very hard to believe," Fulgrim said. Angron could believe that if her past didn't say anything otherwise. Though what did Konrad represent?
"So what does that make you?" Angron asked.
"His fear," Konrad said. "In these past days, I've not been afraid, I can live not looking at the darkness. I had a twisted love to punish and kill those who were guilty but now I'm disgusted at what I did. Without fear what am I, without that sadistic glee I can't call myself the night hunter so who am I… This is not what fate wanted me to be but I'm here now lost!"
"HOW DARE HE SAY SUCH A THING!" Fulgrim yelled outraged making Konrad gaze at her in surprise, she stood up and sat by Konrad's side. "You are so much more than fear, and Like me without feeling to be perfect. We are more than just one thing sister, you are still a great general who puts our enemies on edge. You can be still Konrad without being afraid," Fulgrim said.
Konrad felt inspired by her words and was glad she was talking to someone about this. Fulgrim then had a mischievous smile.
"You know Issei doesn't mind seeing the kindred side to you," She said, Konrad gave a small chuckle. Knowing she wasn't wrong and Issei needed to know the more horrible truths about her. Maybe then she didn't have to be the night hunter.
The air had become colder and an aura of hostility befell upon them.
The Snap of a tree branch gained their attention as they all faced a dark-cloaked figure approaching them. A glowing blue energy glowed from her eyes. The tree quickly got to their feet and weapons ready for a brawl there was no question as to who this was. The feeling of lighting made them know who this was and they dreaded who it was.
"Icarion," Angron said, her empathic powers feeling a wave of hate that would have matched hers when she had the butcher's nails. Icarion was here for the blood of all those who watched her Madrigal be destroyed, the homeworld she loved and was raised in.
"Hello sisters," Icarion said, then her hand revealed the long power spear known as thunder child. "And goodbye."
In a blinding flash, she stomped out the fire and sliced a spear around herself. Making the three jump back. Konrad tried to use her future style but was meant with painful shock bringing Konrad to her knees. Her eye fluttered open to see Icarion smirking at her. Konrad could tell by Icarion's smile she was behind this.
"What did you do!" She yelled.
"Learn this Konrad, the great infinite future will always be in my hands!" Icarion said then in a flash of speed. She slashed at Konrad.
Konrad quickly brought her armored gauntlets and was flung back. Landing on the ground her dark eye glowed with hatred. Icarion stood ready for the others as the blue gem on her forehead sparked with a blue light.
"And it looks like the end too your future is here!"
Okay here's chapter 30 I know right we got this far crazy right? Anyway sorry for the late chapter I could say the reason I was late was because of stuff but in truth I had this story stuck in my mind, I had to just get out and type it down before I forgot. Sorry for that but I love to make fics. But if you guys want to check it out here you go, it will be posted soon. Also just want to show you that each event will be getting its own chapter. Also, I wanted to show while everybody changes for the better we still are reminded of our past which will be a big thing for space batman. Oh sorry! I mean Konrad. Thank you for the reviews guys I love to hear the feedback. It only makes me work harder and happier on these stories.
Anyway always go fun questions to ask, this time about voices. You know that in my fanfic notes, I did a cast for the characters like voice and stuff. So my question is a simple one for you. In this story what voice actor would fit your favorite matriarchs?
Thank you, you guys stay safe and have a great day!...
