(Note: Merry Christmas in late to you all. But also, Happy New Year in advance for everyone).
RWBY 40k – Salem, Mistress of Inquisition.
[Theme: Shingeki No Kyojin Opening 1].
A symbol of a Salem's father kingdom flag could be seen on a wall.
"They're the prey and we're the hunters!"
The symbol is destroyed by an explosion, revealing the title "Salem, Mistress of the Inquisition" with under it written in gold "The Great Crusade", behind the title was the flag of the Imperium with the two eagles.
"And we're the hunters!"
The camera goes away a little of the title before turning to the stars.
"Gods ignorant of the trampled flower's name, the bird that fell from the stars takes her by the wind."
The next scene shows Salem marching on the land after leaving a grave. Her clothes changing from Remnant clothes to the Imperium's clothes. Her sons join her march, appearing one after another with their own family. All of their faces are serious.
"Even if you pray, nothing will be changed."
The next scene shows a horde of Orks marching inside a ruined human city. Followed by another scene of a Chaos Daemon incursion coming from a gigantic eye in the sky.
"But that which can alter the present is the resolution to fight."
An army of Luna Wolves is present inside of a courtyard with the flags of the Imperium. A cut shows them making the salute. The third cut shows them drawing their swords. The fourth cut shows them launching themselves at the Orks.
"Tramping over corpses, swine who mock the will to advance."
The next scene shows rapid images of the Imperium Propaganda against Xenos like Orks, Eldars, Rangda, Psybrids and other Xenos.
"Peace of the cattle and the prosperity."
Scene showing walls of human cities by explosion of the enemy artillery, with the middle showing the symbol of the Imperium.
"The freedom of the dead, hungry eagle."
The next scene shows Salem blasted away by the explosions shocked but composing herself in the next second.
"Our caged humiliation signals the start of our retaliation. Beyond the worlds, we're hunters that slaughter our prey."
Horus, Fulgrim and Magnus runs at the Orks and destroys them with the help of their Astartes while using their powers against them. Horus especially kills a Warboss.
"As these surging surges burn away our bodies, we ignite the dusk with a crimson bolter and bullet!"
The next scene shows the ramparts of a Hive City defended by both Rogal Dorn and Perturabo. Perturabo activates a cannon that he controls to destroy the Orks in his way. The next cut shows Sanguinius and Horus defending themselves against Xenos who towered at their same height, with heads resembling lumps atop their round torsos. Possessing long and thick arms with in the end three stubby fingers. The next scene shows Salem with her silver armour running and charges with her blood katana against a Bloodletter followed by a fading of the Imperium flag floating.
"And we're the hunters!"
The scene shows an Astartes running in slow-motion on an Ork. The next scene shows the Primarchs exiting their barges along with their Legion. In front the silhouette of the Emperor also running.
"And we're the hunters!"
In front of the coming army, a gigantic horde of Orks. And the overlapping army of Astartes coming to them. Before chaining with images of fight of Guardsmens against Xenos, Astartes against Xenos and the four silhouettes deep inside the warp accompanied by their daemons.
"And we're the hunters!"
Inside the overlapping images, the Brothers Gods are present, looking with contempt the guardsmens facing them. The next cut shows the map of the Galaxy covered by the blood along with the apparitions of uncountable names of different human planets.
The last three cuts show Salem, the Primarchs and the Emperor in their armour.
As the music reaches its final part, Salem, the 20 Primarchs along their whole family could be seen on a mountain gazing to the stars with their back turned from the camera.
[End of the theme and the generic].
Ep 57: The battle of Gyros-Thravian.
945.M30. North of the Galaxy.
Salem is visiting Horus while he was making a compliance on a human planet. She meets him on the Vengeful Spirit. Accompanied by a new kind of close guards. All members are dressed in white-and-gray uniforms with black tricorn hats and grey half masks, the jacket and hat emblazoned in goldeneye symbols surrounded by wings similar to the ones Salem's symbols. The tricorns also have drop-down visors who covers their entire face.
Salem: "Hello, my son."
Horus: "Hello, mom…"
Salem: "How your crusade is?"
Horus: "Going smoothly… This is a simple Feudal world."
Salem: "A Feudal world? I want to see it."
Horus: "Okay…"
Salem turns to Ilil and Allarielle.
Salem: "You will accompany us, you two. Stay close to me and don't bring attention."
Ilil: "We have our hood so…"
Allarielle rolled her eyes.
Horus: "Also, who are these new guards?"
He pointed out the close guards.
Salem: "These are my Royal Eagles. My faithful and trusted guards coming from my planets to protect me. They are ready to sacrifice their life to protect their lady. Their names will never be forgotten are they are written in the Royal Aquila Codex. They deserved to have their names reminded."
One of the Royal Eagles, who has more baroque decorations on his clothes approached Horus and extended without a word a really big book with the eye symbol surrounded by the wings of the Imperial Eagle.
Horus: "I see…"
Salem: "I know, this is the Guardian of the Codex (turn to the guardian). Go to your usual affair."
The Royal Eagle bowed, turned his back and goes to the hallways."
Horus: "What is his role?"
Salem: "Guarding the Codex and administrate the arrival of new recruits while being the sole communicator with the recruiters."
Horus: "Okay. Shall we go to the planet mom?"
Salem chuckles.
Salem: "After you, my son."
They descended on the planet, who was green with mountains, with huge fortresses and towers domineering big cities. They were accompanied by the close guards of Horus but also the close guards of Salem.
They walked inside of one of the big cities, who was built on a mountain chain facing plains of fields. Greeted by the citizens with fear and respect. Salem only returned the waving, reassuring the inhabitants, reinforced by the fact she has retained her maidenhood and young appearance.
The fortress of the lord that dominate the city and the land was gigantic, with three battlements and a donjon.
They continued inside of the city, who was alive and bustling. They arrived in the main city square, full of pavements deformed by the steps of the people. Full of shops, stalls or home stores. Street criers are selling all sorts of goods, while the owners of the stores screamed even more to attract clients to their stores.
Salem gazed on the things that could interest her. The smells of gold mixed with meat, fruits and vegetables are so overwhelming.
Salem: "They is a really good marketplace! Individual stores all over the place and arranged to their best. I love the imperfection sometimes."
Horus: "Really?"
Salem: "Yeah, the perpendicular arrangement of supermarkets is beautiful but… let's be honest are hollow in soul."
Horus: "What do you want to buy?"
Salem: "Hm… I don't know. I don't have the mood to do so…"
Horus: "So… A tavern maybe?"
Salem: "Yeah… that would be good."
A few minutes later…
Salem, Horus, Ilil and Allarielle are installed on chair in the exterior of a tavern while the guards are surrounding the whole place. The old witch is eating rice and meat with hands and a knife since the cutlery not exist in this world. Allarielle and Ilil eats potatoes. Horus on his side eats nothing.
Salem: "Hm… Good, really good."
Horus: "It's that so?"
Salem: "The taste of this meat mixed with the fire wood of this wood… Is so… delicious."
She takes a bite of Grox meat.
Allarielle: "But you are literally immortal. Why are you eating so much when your body doesn't need it?"
Salem gives an annoyed look to Allarielle.
Salem: "Know young lady that food is life!"
Allarielle: "Huh… Okay. I mean, food is good to eat but… (widened and realise) … Aaaaaah."
Salem: "See? Food is life…"
She grabs a big piece of meat and eats it with her hands.
A few hours later… The group are inside of the fields surrounding the city. A lot of crops are cultivated by farmers.
Salem is sited on the shoulder of her son while the two Eldars are walking beside him.
Allarielle: "Ugh… Why Salem has the right to sit on your shoulder?"
Horus glared to Allarielle.
Horus: "Because my mom has the right to do so. Understand that. And call Mister Horus for Humanity's sake."
Salem turned to Allarielle and looks at her from the shoulder.
Salem: "Know young lady that your time has an infant transported in the shoulder of your parent is over."
Allarielle: "So, why do you are in the shoulder of Horus anyway? You're not a toddler…"
Horus grunted at the familiar calling.
Salem: "Because old ladies like me has to be supported by their children. After all, I am a grandma and a grandma needs help. Wait until you become a grandma yourself."
Allarielle: "You are just profiting of your status."
Salem grunted at this comment before embracing the head of Horus.
Salem: "No, I am not 'profiting'. I am just a just a mom and grandmother who keeps children safe. I am just waiting that my sons are returning the favour. Don't you think Horus?"
She hugged more her son head.
Horus: "Of course. I am doing it with my crusade right and passing with you, right?"
She kissed his forehead.
Salem: "You are my favourite, my little baby."
Allarielle giggled mockingly to the two and she stopped while she realised that the two are glaring towards her.
Allarielle: "Huh…"
Ilil turned to her.
Ilil: "Apologize…"
Allarielle seized by fear quickly turned to Salem.
Allarielle: "I am so sorry! Please forgive me!"
Salem: "Okay. Apologize accepted. Behave more next time."
Allarielle nodded while Salem released her grip on Horus' head.
Salem: "Let's sit down in a good place…"
They arrived on a small river and Salem takes a foot bath on the cold river. Horus is sited beside her.
Horus: "So you are making reforms?"
Salem: "Yeah. Imperial Academies, to teach children and young teenagers about the greatness of the Imperium, the Mankind but also their culture as a whole. They will defend their homes and their existence against all odds."
Horus: "That's really good."
Salem: "I have also written this anthem."
She takes out a paper and gives it to Horus. He reads it at full voice.
Horus: "(Reading) Truth and hope in our Fatherland! And death to every foe! Our soldiers shall not pause to rest. We vow our loyalty.
Old traditions they will abide. Arise young heroes! Our past inspires noble deeds. All Hail Imperium!
Immortal beacon shows the way. Step forth, seek glory! Hoist your swords high into the clouds.
Hail Imperium!
Our Emperor stands astride this world. He'll vanquish every foe! His truth and justice shine so bright
All hail his brilliant light!
Never will he be overthrown. Like mountains and sea. His bloodline immortal and pure. All Hail Imperium!
So let his wisdom guide our way. Go forth and seek glory. Hoist your swords high into the clouds. Hail Imperium!
(Stops reading) Are you sure about that?"
Salem: "What do you mean Horus?"
Horus: "Father… You know him. He won't certainly accept this kind of stance. Especially the second part."
Salem: "Hm… He is the Emperor. He created the Imperium. And so, Mankind under his rule must follow him. He is the monarch. He is the saviour. He is the creator of our society. And so, thanking him by this anthem is vital."
Horus: "Hm… I addition that you accept the religion of Lorgar."
Salem nodded.
Salem: "The Imperium will be the new reality of Mankind. As it was the case for the Federation from the Age of Technology, millenias ago."
Horus: "I wish to know this past, full of dreams and prosperity."
Salem: "You will find it in the Imperium. It will be long for Mankind to fully recover but it's possible to do it. Even if the Mechanicum jealousy about the technology will slow things down."
Horus smiled with optimism.
Horus: "Of course, we have the potential to do it! We just have to believe! Like you said to me!"
Salem: "This is not for nothing you have to be a brave and strong warrior. With this, you can hold back the evil schemes of Mankind's enemies. Exterior and interior."
Horus sighed.
Horus: "Why evil just cannot disappear?"
Salem: "Balance, Horus. Unlike the warp, the material has always a balance. In an eternal dance, push and pull, life and death, good and evil… The opposites complete itself. The difficulty is to see the infinite shape of grey between the two. And the Grey is the thing that Chaos tries to expand to the point that the opposites no longer exist. Without opposite, there is not balance anymore, there is no boundaries anymore, only madness, no meaning, no laws… the very core concept of Chaos. If your actions are good in your eyes, mine and the whole Mankind: they are evil to the eyes of others. This is the balance. Evil is good and good is evil."
Horus doesn't respond and only nodded; he is confused but still, he quite understands what is mother is saying. The two Eldars who are listening to the conversation are impressed by this strange and ominous.
Ilil approached Salem.
Ilil: "Miss Salem, I have a question."
Salem: "Yeah? What do you want to know, Ilil?"
Ilil: "I wanted to know, how mister Horus has become so strong?"
Salem giggled.
Salem: "It was because of me… mostly, if I include the Emperor. I subjected him to the most difficult training I have given to him."
Horus: "Are you sure you want to tell him?"
Salem: "Yes. I will. Since I will soon train Allarielle and Ilil in the same way."
Allarielle: "Wait, what?"
Ilil: "Really?"
Salem: "Let me explain…"
Flashback:
805.M30. On a Feodal Planet.
Young Horus, dressed in a simple shirt and pants was facing his mom. He was measuring 1.60 meters height for 12 years old. His hair was brown with several shades of blonde, displaying his slow change.
Facing him is Salem, dressed in her Remnant outfit with the typical small bun hairstyle. She has a serious expression on her face.
Salem: "So, your father accorded me to personally train you for on this planet while he is doing a crusade against the Ork Empire of Mecha Swords. Know this my boy, I will train you in a different way."
Horus: "What is this mom?"
Salem: "Look. We are on a feudal planet. I have chosen this planet specifically because you're training with be composed mostly of daily activities."
Horus: "What?"
Salem: "Yes, you have to learn the burden of a hard life in addition to get better shape."
Horus: "Huh… Yeah, I guess."
Salem: "So, but let's get a first test to see what your training accomplished so far."
She turned back and pointed a rock then a tree from afar.
Salem: "There is exactly 100 meters from this rock to this tree. I will go there and calculate your time. Okay?"
Horus nodded.
Salem: "Good."
She walked to the tree calmly for a minute before arriving to the tree.
Salem (high voice): "Ready?!"
Horus gets in position.
Salem (high voice): "And… GO!"
She shoots a ball of light in the sky and Horus quickly runs to Salem in a matter of seconds. He crossed her and the tree shortly after before stopping himself.
Horus (panting): "How much?"
Salem looks to the chronometer.
Salem: "11 seconds. You have good legs but you can do better. You have to surpass the limits of a human, like me."
Horus: "Really?"
Salem: "Take this."
She extended the chronometer to Horus. Then, Salem unclips the bottom of her dress by the belt, revealing thighs pants, covering quite athletic legs under the surprised eyes of Horus.
Salem: "Take also this."
She extended the bottom part of her dress to Horus, who hesitantly take it. Then Salem reorganised her hair bun to a braid while walking to the rock. Then she arrived to the rock, turned back to Horus and waved to him before taking position.
Horus (High voice): "Ready mom?! And… GO!"
He shot a smaller ball of magic in the sky and Salem rushed in an incredible speed, to the surprise of Horus. She quickly reached Horus and the tree while leaving a smoke trail. She quickly stops a few meters away before returning to Horus who was trembling in surprise.
Salem: "How much?"
Horus: "Huh… 5.6 seconds."
Salem: "Hm… I am neglecting my training. I should think about it later."
Horus: "Huh?"
Salem: "Nevermind. Horus, you have to know this: breaking human limits will make you the strongest of the strong. Always remember that."
Horus nodded while Salem attached the bottom part of her robe on herself once again while remaking her small bun with the rest of hair completely loose.
Salem: "Tomorrow. You will begin the true training. Take a good pause because I promise that I won't go kindly with you."
Horus: "Okay mom…"
Salem: "Good…"
She kneeled to him and kiss his forehead.
Salem: "You are a good boy."
The next morning… at 4:30 A.M.
Horus was yawning while finishing getting himself up before exiting the small house that Salem has requisitioned.
The two arrived to the village and Salem walked to a store and she talked with the owner.
Owner: "Yes, of course. You have talked to me. This is your son?"
Salem: "Absolutely."
Owner: "Here, this is the map and the houses to deliver."
He gives her a map that Salem brought to Horus and gives it to him.
Horus: "What I should I do mom?"
Salem: "You will deliver milk."
Horus widened.
Horus: "What? Seriously mom?"
Salem: "Training I said. Now go. Also, a rule: I forbid you to stop running, except when you deliver the milk."
Horus gulped.
Salem: "I am watching you. Now go. Come on!"
Horus began to run inside of the village to deliver the milk, tiring himself up and ready to give up running but Salem was always watching him from somewhere, making him panic and running faster. Then, he goes to the fields to deliver a milk to a lone hermit.
Hermit: "Hello, young boy."
Horus: "Hi…"
He gets flicked by the finger of his mom on his cheek, who has just appeared just behind him.
Salem: "You say 'Hello Mister', rude child."
Horus: "Sorry, mom."
Hermit: "You are his mom?"
Salem: "Yes. He is a good boy but he needs to be more polite why delivering the milk."
Hermit: "Okay…"
Salem: "Now let's go Horus. You are not finished."
Horus: "Okay mom…"
He turned back but his mom disappeared.
Hermit: "Your mom is a strange one…"
Horus: "She can be weirder than that…"
After running and delivering milk all over the fields, Horus collapsed on the back after delivering the last milk. Salem towered above him.
Salem: "Get up, this is not finished."
A few moments later… Salem was with Horus on a field. He was still panting.
Salem: "We shall begin the second training… little tender foot."
Horus (offended): "Hey, I am not…!"
Salem posed her finger to his mouth.
Salem: "You will work on the fields now. The farmer has leave us this whole empty field. You will work on the terrain."
Horus: "But where is the hoe?"
Salem: "You don't need it since you will work on the terrain with your own hands, to fortify your arms and hands."
Horus: "What?!"
Salem: "You heard me. Now do it!"
Horus gulped again before plunging his hands on the dirt and beginning to plow it, for entire hours, he digs the dirt with his hands. Under the eyes of Salem who was sited outside the field.
Two entire hours later, Horus was in front of his mom, his hands completely covered in dirt.
Horus: "My hands are in shreds…"
Salem: "You took your time Horus. Now, we have to take our breakfast and then train again."
Horus only nodded.
After a breakfast composed of soup and meat. Horus is sited outside, close to the cottage that Salem occupies. He was facing Salem who has brought a lot of books about fight.
Salem: "Until the lunch, you will study. A good warrior has to train his spirit in addition of his body."
Horus: "…"
Salem: "Take the first book of the Treaty of the Five Wheels written by Musashi Miyamoto, in 645.M01 on Terra. Esteem yourself lucky that Malcador has conserved copies of these book series."
Horus: "Okay mom…"
Salem: "Open the first page now."
Horus open the first page and began to read.
Hours later, at 0:30 P.M, the two are lied down on hammocks.
Salem: "Now we will take a nap until 1.30 P.M. Working, Studying, Eating and Resting are the four mottoes of the Salemic training."
Horus: "Okay mom…"
One hour and half later… The two are now present is a big building site.
Salem: "The noble of this region has decided to build a summer palace. You will help the workers; it will develop your resilience."
Horus gulped before Salem extend to him a small iron helmet for the workers. Horus passed a good part of the afternoon working at transporting dirt, digging, transporting materials, etc.
Hours later, Horus and Salem are facing a lake.
Salem: "Now you will swim inside of this lake."
Horus: "Mom, when I will learn to fight?"
Salem slapped herself and sighed.
Salem: "You have to fortify your body and mind first! I could never train you if you have not enough force! Now, you will be making ten round trips on this lake. Take off your clothes."
Horus embarrassed, obeyed in silence. Once naked he jumped inside of the water and began to swim.
Salem: "Oh! I forgot! There is Groxes inside the lake my son!"
Horus: "What?!"
A Grox exited the lake and roar toward Horus before swimming to Horus.
Horus: "AAAAAAAH!"
Ten round trips later… Horus was exhausted while he was dressing himself back up, not far away was the Grox, knocked out by a blow delivered by the mom.
Salem: "Now, we will take the next step of the training."
A few moments later…
Horus is attached on a cord who itself is attached to the tree.
Horus: "Why I am attached mom?"
Salem: "To test your reflexes on a small space. Now silence."
She silently goes closer to the tree.
Horus: "What are you doing mom?"
Salem: "Shht!"
With a stick, she hits a bee hive before going away inside the bushes. The angry bees exited the hive and attacked Horus.
Horus: "WOOUAAAAHHH!"
Salem: "Avoid their attacks!"
In the evening, Salem was curing magically Horus from his wounds provoked by the bees.
Salem: "This is the end of the training today."
Horus: "It would like that for the other days?"
Salem: "What are you talking about? It was easy today. Because tomorrow and beyond…"
She takes out a big piece of Steelplastic in form of a bag.
Salem: "…you will train with a 20-kilogram shell."
Horus paled before falling to the ground, exhausted to the highest.
To the next months, the young Primarch continues his training becoming stronger and stronger each day. He trained with passion and joy, doing everything to please his mom who is observing him and quickly get used to the training. She was proud of her little boy.
Salem: "This is good, really good."
And after months of training. Horus arrived to his mom.
Horus: "Mom! Moooom!"
Salem: "What? What's happening?"
Horus: "Let me show you something!"
He dragged her toward the lands by the hand.
Salem: "What do you want to show me? Please be gentler, I can't follow you!"
Horus dragged her to a big rock measuring at least 7 meters height.
Horus: "Look at this!"
Salem: "What? What is the thing special about this rock?"
Horus: "I managed to move it!"
Salem: "Really? Show me!"
Horus gets himself and push the big rock.
Horus: "ROAAAAH!"
He pushed the rock who moves several meters in front of her, she was quite surprised.
Horus: "How it's it?"
Salem only approached him and rubbed his cheek, looking at him in a motherly expression.
Salem: "See? My training was not for nothing."
Horus: "Yeah, I know right?"
Salem takes a serious expression.
Salem: "Now, to maximise this training. You will be wearing a 40-kilogram shell!"
Horus: "Huh?"
After months and months of training and several shell changings going from to 40-kilograms to 100-kilogram shells.
Then, after almost one year of training. The Bucephelus was going to take back the duo, hovering in the sky of the planet. Horus in one year has grown significantly, now measuring 1.70 meters, reaching almost his mom while his hair almost completely blonde. His body is much more muscular than before.
Salem: "So, let's see the result of your training. You can remove your shell Horus."
Horus: "Okay mom."
He removed his shell and tossed it on the ground.
Salem: "How do you feel?"
Horus: "I am so light! Like air!"
Salem: "Try to jump as high as you can."
Horus: "Yeah?"
Salem nodded and Horus strained himself up and jumped. So hard that he reached dozens of meters in the sky.
Horus: "WOUAH! That's…"
He falls on the ground by his feet.
Horus: "… so good!"
He began to run around in a really high speed.
Horus: "I am running so fast! Try to catch me mom!"
But he is caught by the hand of Salem, who is seemingly still faster than him for now.
Horus: "Argh!"
Salem: "Behave young man. Your father is in the sky, you have to give him a proper welcome from his crusade. Okay?"
Horus: "Okay mom…"
Salem only embraced him in her arms by the back.
Salem: "This is why I love you."
Horus: "Thanks mom…"
End of the Flashback.
The two Eldar looked each other as Salem finished her story.
The duo: "Ooooooh…"
Salem: "Don't be jealous. You will have the same training soon."
Allarielle: "What?!"
Ilil: "Really?"
Salem nodded and she smiled innocently.
Salem: "Because to gain the name of warrior, you have to be worthy. It is obtained by work and pain."
Allarielle: "Huhhh…"
Ilil: "Really?"
Salem nodded again.
Salem: "Yes, you will. Also, I am intended to do the same to my granddaughters soon. Since, my Primarchs are already grown and quite well trained to stand in their own."
Horus: "You should double down with 150 kilograms for my nieces. They are quite trained too…"
Salem: "Of course, of course Horus."
At this moment, a Luna Wolf arrived toward Horus.
Luna Wolf: "My lord, an urgency."
Horus: "What's happening?"
The Luna wolf gives a scroll to Horus, he opens it and read it. Under the confused eye of Salem. The look on Horus becomes serious mixed with worry.
Salem: "What's going on?"
Horus: "Jaghatai Khan need our help. A Disaster Alarm in your logic of threat."
Salem takes a very serious face.
Salem: "Let's go then…"
Moments later… Salem has gone inside of her ship, the Infinite. Along with Ilil and Allarielle.
Salem has taken them inside of a dark room.
Allarielle: "What's happening?"
Salem: "Many years you have passed with me. You have progressed in training. And I think this is time."
Allarielle: "For what?"
Salem: "To fight."
She lights up the room and two armour with the same construction as Salem's and a Astartes Power armour are revealed.
Allarielle: "Are you kidding me?!"
Ilil: "Huh… Really?"
Salem: "You have to contribute to the Imperium of Man."
Ilil: "Oh… okay."
Allarielle: "Why are you accepting so rapidly?!"
Ilil: "Listen Allarielle. I know this is hard to hear but listen. Mankind with the help of the Emperor, the Primarchs, Miss Salem, the Astartes Legion and everything else will be the new dominant race of the Galaxy. Think about it, us Eldar are now too rare and too underpopulated to hope reform a new Aeldari Empire. Also, She-Who-Thirst is looming at us, this is not for nothing that I have this."
He shows his guardian stone fixated on his cloth. It angered Allarielle further.
Allarielle: "Why I should serve stinking Mon-Keigh?! You are so low that you are equally inferior as them! How could you?!"
Ilil was taken aback but he frowned and glared intensely inside the very soul of Allarielle. The young Eldar girl was shocked and a bit nervous.
Ilil: "This is you who is low. You repeat the same error as our kind and our ancestors as a whole. Looking with a condescending opinion on other races, underestimating their potential and so: doesn't see the possible consequences about it."
Allarielle: "What do you mean?"
Ilil: "This is likely that the Imperium in the future becomes truly unstoppable. Destroying the Krork and other Xeno Species. And we could be next, especially if we not give the respect to the Mankind."
Allarielle: "I can't… I just can't! I remind that one of the Primarchs killed my entire family!"
Ilil: "I am not asking you to forgive Mankind. I am asking you to respect them as they are. They are intelligent and really close to us in many things. And I would dare say that their ephemeral life is a quality."
Allarielle: "What?"
Salem: "Hm?"
Ilil turn to Salem.
Ilil: "Yeah. When you have not the time to fully learn everything. You need to write it down, to pass it to your child and directly teaching him when you can still breath. To not forget what the past was about. From what I have read with the Farseers of Biel-Tan, you advanced so much in a few millenias in the far past. Your kind was able to be on the ankle of the technological marvel of ours when we have taken millions of years to build our technology. Since… we have simply left alone to teach ourself the ways. Even if the professor is here to insure, we don't lose ourselves."
Salem: "I see… The stress of the death pushes us to the excellence. That is truth."
Ilil: "Without forgetting that you're multiplying like cells in a single one Eldar year."
Salem: "Yes, also. Because we like babies."
Allarielle: "Are you serious? You are becoming mad Ilil…"
Ilil: "No! I am not mad! I have saw the truth! Our prime is passed… we have to adapt to this new cruel galaxy. I am trying to adapt. You have to do the same thing… If you don't want to die or being enslaved."
Allarielle: "Wha…"
Ilil: "I am serious Allarielle. Without Mankind, we have to fight constantly the Krorks who are much more resilient and dangerous despite not THAT technologically advanced or any other Xenos who could hurt us. And being an enemy to Mankind will lead us to death or worse… Especially since the Emperor of Mankind is very suspicious about us."
Allarielle was speechless but frown.
Allarielle: "You are just mad. You are not just pathetic, you are mad. (turn to Salem). See what you done to him. You are proud of it?"
Salem sighed and approached Allarielle.
Salem: "Allarielle. Ilil is right. He has made a good point all along. The dominion of the Aeldari Empire is gone. Slaanesh has blown it like a candle. I have assisted at it, even if it was very far away while my master Malcador has heard and felt the terror and agony of the Eldar. The Eye of Terror, who could be saw in the sky of Terra. Honestly it was terrifying."
Allarielle: "What do you want to say? Stop walking in circle."
Salem (calm tone): "You need to see that Mankind is the best ally against the very enemies of Aeldari. Also, you have to stop lying to yourself about your race. The Aeldari are not the dominant race anymore. If your family has left to Kharaatan, they are part of the Exodites. So, they have foreseen the doom and fled before it was too late. You know it, they know it. But they have enslaved a whole planet of Mankind because they couldn't assume that their time is over."
Allarielle stared at Salem in disgust. Salem kneeled and glared with coldness.
Salem: "I am despising your race for two reasons: one, because you treat Mankind as ants. Two, your ancestors are the responsible of Humanity's fall going orgy after orgy and other preoccupated about their sexual or gustative pleasure. And so, warp storms have isolated human planets while they are recovering from the cybernetic revolt and trying to find alternative to Abominable Intelligence. I have all the reasons to blaming your race about everything. But I am not, because I have other problems to deal with. Also, I have still a bit of respect. Since, they are civilised, they were before us and so… This is an error to destroy the Eldar race."
Allarielle: "This is why you have us… like hostages?!"
Salem: "No… You will wear the word of Mankind to your kind and convince to join us and recognize us. Because we are all in the same boat in the end."
Allarielle glared to Salem.
Allarielle: "As long as I kill stinky Krorks… then fine. I fight for Mon-Keigh… for now."
Salem looks at Allarielle before smirking a little.
Salem: "Good. But I hope you will open your eyes about the horrors you will face."
Salem stands up and turns to the armours.
Salem: "These armours are built from the strongest material that we use on the Astartes Legion. Estimate yourself lucky because these armours are built from the Mark III Iron Power armour for your good measure."
Ilil: "And this armour?"
He points out a power armour who is a white colour and who is decorated in a baroque style with a symbol of an eye surrounded by wings of eagle under it, the whole plastered on the chest plate. Unlike the knightly-like face of the helmet, the helmet has two eyes and six holes for breath.
Salem: "This? This my new armour fabricated on Mars by my demand, derivate from the newly constructed Mark IV Maximus armour a few years ago."
Allarielle: "What? Why we can't have the new version?"
Salem: "I love have the exclusivity on new technology."
Allarielle: "Old selfish Mon-Keigh hag…"
Ilil: "Hey, don't say that to her!"
Salem: "I least I have a life, unlike you."
Allarielle becomes red of irritation about this statement and pouted.
Salem: "So, what do you to take for weapon. Ilil?"
Ilil: "Hm… I have always a thing with swords. Especially the two-handed swords."
Salem takes from the rack of the weapon a longsword and extends it to Ilil.
Salem: "How it's this?"
Ilil manipulated the longsword.
Ilil: "Really good!"
The old witch turned to Allarielle.
Salem: "Allarielle?"
Allarielle: "A staff. Since I was training for my powers."
Salem: "Okay."
Salem takes a staff with an eagle on top of it as decoration before extending it to Allarielle. The young Eldar takes it and uses it to make a few tricks with her psychic powers.
Salem: "How do you think of this?"
Allarielle: "Grmbl…"
Salem: "Good enough…"
Ilil: "Why this event is so serious?"
Salem: "You will see it soon…"
A few hours later, while the Infinite was crossing the warp. Everyone is in their room and fallen asleep. Salem on her side was on her bed in a deep sleep, dressed in a dressing gown while her hair is loose and sprayed all over the pillow and beyond.
A few minutes passed and the door suddenly open. Here, a figure entered inside of the room. His face is covered in a dark cloak. He is huge and entered the room. Then, accompanied by a second one who comes right after him.
They locked the door and use some kind of strange magic, covering the interior with runes.
Salem slowly wakes up and sees the two figures.
Salem: "Wha… (widened) What the…?! Who are you?!"
She violently sited up and takes a defensive sited position.
Man 1: "It's us mom…"
Man 2: "Calm down…"
Salem stared to the two figures and immediately recognized them.
Salem: "It's you two…"
She falls on her pillow, putting her hands on her face.
Salem: "Don't scare your mom like that…"
Man 1: "Sorry…"
Man 2: "We are just here to see you."
She removed her hands and glared with irritation to them.
Salem: "You have come to the worst moment you two."
Man 1: "What do you mean?"
Salem: "I am going to a crusade with your brother Horus and Jaghatai. I have also heard that Mortarion and Rogal Dorn are also joining in addition to your father. We will arrive in a few weeks and we are already planning in the travel what we are going to do. So, I need calm, I need concentration, I need rest."
Man 2: "Oh… I cannot believe it was so serious."
Man 1: "I have already told you! You just brush it off."
Man 2: "Grmbl… Silence."
Salem: "You will visit me when this crusade is over okay? You are now just dorks who has breaking my privacy. I haven't raised you like that in Terra… even if I was absent when I began to search your brothers in the Galaxy."
Man 1: "I know… We are sorry."
Man 2: "We should be more careful next time."
Salem: "Hey…"
She makes sign to the two to approach. The two looked at each other but then approached to their mom. She sits on the bed and give them a kiss on their cheek for each one.
Salem: "At least, you have made the effort to visit your old mom. You deserved it."
The two men: "Thanks mom."
Salem: "Now go away! I am trying to sleep! We will see later after the crusade! Shoo shoo!"
The two men goes toward the door, disabled the runes and turned to her last time.
Man 1: "Good night mom."
Man 2: "Good night…"
Salem: "Yeah good night…"
She lies down on her bed and turned to the opposite. The two men leave the room and gently closed the door and locked it.
Salem: "Hmph… They could never stop…"
A few weeks later…
Salem is now dressed in an armour except her head while her hair is attached in a braid. She was facing holograms of Horus, Rogal Dorn and Mortarion. While the two eldar, dressed in their armour are behind.
Salem: "I am glad that you three responded to the call of help for Jaghatai. You have to know what is the context."
She displayed an image of a big sector with several stellar system.
Salem: "This is the Ork Empire of Gharluk Blackfang, the Gyros-Thravian Empire. A Warboss who is directing 50 planets. Jaghatai Khan with his whole Legion decided to attack on the world of 4-68-99, named by the Legion Gar-Ban-Gar. But the situation is not ideal for him, has the conflict has gone to a stalemate."
Rogal Dorn: "Hm… This is scary. This is the strongest Ork Empire I have ever saw yet…"
Horus: "Why Zorai hasn't come to help Jaghatai? He is the one who is the most used for prolongated wars and he always won in the end! Even a small Chapter won't be too much for him."
Salem: "He cares about his Phoenix Empire. Don't worry Horus, when he is powerful enough. He will help eventually. I have to persuade him this is for his best interest."
Horus sighed.
Rogal Dorn: "Mom… What is your plan?"
Salem: "Hm… We have planned to attack in multiple fronts to cut the advantage of our enemy. Me and Horus already planned to give a hand to Jaghatai. While you will attack the Ork Empire."
Horus: "So, my advice is you: Rogal Dorn, besiege and destroy the Ork Fortress Worlds. Mortarion, you will take over the planets who are more like outcrops with divided tribes."
Mortarion: "Right to our speciality…"
Rogal Dorn: "I am more than ready to do so."
Salem: "Your father will intervene with his Custodes to try to make a breakthrough. But for now, he stays hidden."
Horus: "Let's make this Imperium great!"
The two other Primarchs nodded.
Salem: "Hm. Let's end this massacre."
She closes the holograms and turned to Ilil and Allarielle.
Salem: "This is your baptism of fire. Now stand up."
The two Eldar stands up and faced the old witch.
Salem: "We will arrive soon."
A few hours later… The two fleets. The XVIth Legion fleet and the 6th Expeditionary Fleet exited the warp and could see the planet of Gar-Ban-Gar.
Salem put on her helmet before putting on a belt with her Katana. She entered a barge with Ilil and Allarielle.
Salem: "I will tell you this… The first time is always the most painful."
Ilil: "I have already passed my first time…"
Allarielle: "I can't believe I am actually doing this."
Ilil approached Salem and take her hand.
Ilil: "I am afraid miss Salem…"
Salem: "You won't kill any humans. Orks are monsters who brutalize themselves and others."
She pated the head of Ilil.
Ilil: "Thanks miss Salem."
Salem: "Now put your helmet on…"
Ilil does it, followed by Allarielle. The soldiers of Salem arrived inside of her barge when the pilot goes to the cockpit. And then, the barge leaves the Infinite accompanied by a lot of others. While the Drop pods of the XVIth Legion falls on the planet.
Salem arrived on the planet along with her soldiers who poured out from the hundreds of barges who quickly leave the scene to bring reinforcements. Also, Wrath Starfighters arrived on the ground and deposed the SK-3 on the ground.
But also, some kind of new unit of the Salemic army arrived by coming out of some of the barges. Some kind of warriors dressed in the same attire as the soldiers but they are wearing some kind of really big and mechanic weapon, mixing between melee and distance. But the most disguisable feature of them is the fact they have animal outgrowth like horns, tails or fangs who cannot fit their armour.
In front of her is the XVIth Legion with Horus who has exited it since a long time their Drop pods and are already organise themselves.
Horus: "Here you are mom."
Salem: "Where is Jaghatai?"
Horus: "He will join us in moments…"
Salem: "Good."
Horus glanced to the army of Salem and see the warriors with the big weapons and their animal parts. He raised his eyebrow at this sight.
Horus: "Who are these?"
Salem: "Oh… Them? They are my new unit in the 6th Expedition Fleet. They come from the planet of Fauna, the one who I have talked to you a few years ealier."
Horus: "Hm… I see."
Salem: "These newbies are quite efficient. Their power that they name Semblance is very efficient against the Imperium enemies. Also, they partake some similarities with the IIIth Legion."
Horus: "Really?"
Salem nodded.
Salem: "To the point that I should present them to Fulgrim. Also, I should show them to the VIth Legion, I think I found with them a link with… you know… the 'special' unites of the Space Wolves."
Horus: "Yes… I see."
Salem: "Also, I shall present you the Knightmares of the 3rd Generation."
She shows the Knightmares to the Primarch.
Horus: "Ooooh… I see."
Salem: "So, we are supposed to take over Gar-Ban-Gar. This planet is a warp crossroad for ten of the interior systems, with three who is barely hold by the Vth Legion. We take over this planet and so, we will launch a general assault to the rest of the empire of Gharluk."
Horus: "This would be difficult…"
Salem: "I know. These Orks are led by a very powerful Warboss…"
Salemic Soldier: "My lady! The White Scars are coming!"
Salem: "What do you mean?"
He points his finger to the sky, Salem and Horus turns to the sky and see the barges with the symbol of the White Scars are coming down to them.
Salem: "Let's hope he doesn't falter."
The barges are posing themselves on the ground and opened.
Jaghatai and his personal guard exited these barges.
Jaghatai: "Mother, you are here. (turn to Horus) Horus, you are here."
Salem: "You seem worried…"
Jaghatai: "These pesky Orks are massacring my legion."
Salem: "Jaghatai. We are here now. Let's stop talk and let's act! We are going to save your Legion."
Jaghatai: "Yes, let's go! We are avenging my sons."
Horus: "My Legion will give the firepower you need."
Salem: "I have all the logistic to do so…"
In the next day…
The XVIth Legion and the 6th Expeditionary Fleet arrived on the main front of one of the fortresses of the Orks. It a quite big rock fortress, covered with makeshift iron plates to protect their fortress.
Salem: "I will send my Hunters to disorganize the Weirdboyz protecting the base. While the Knightmares will destroy the walls and the lines of the Orks. Then, the 12th Division and 23th Division will attack to absorb the upcoming Ork charge. Then, this will be your turn Horus to charge with your Legion to completely break apart."
Horus: "Hm. I see."
Salem: "Jaghatai said to me that a chapter is trapped inside the fortress and are besieged in the second battlement. Saving them is our main priority."
Horus turns to Abaddon.
Horus: "Abaddon. Prepare the Luna Wolves to launch a general assault."
Abaddon: "Yes father."
Abaddon goes out of the group.
Salem: "Let's purge some Xenos…"
The next minutes shows that the Hunters are themselves inside of cabins on the back of the SK-3 rolling at great speed toward the Ork Fortress. The Orks installed inside of the first battlements are firing with their 'Lobba' weapons and 'Kannonz'. It deals damage on the armours of some Knightmares but it's quite not enough, especially when the Knightmares are fast and avoid every blows.
In retaliation, the Knightmares fired with their weapons, managing to destroy some of the Kannonz. After a moment of charging, the Knightmares arrived to the walls and opened their backpack and so, the 4 Faunus Hunters jumped at great height from each Knightmares. They deployed their Mecha-Weapons to their rifle mode and fired Bolter, Laser and Plasma beams to the Orks and Gretchins on the battlements. Killing the closest ones. Then, they landed and deployed their weapons to the melee mode.
Faunus Hunter 1: "Down with Ork!"
Faunus Hunter 2: "Down with monsters!"
They activated their Semblance and a big massacre began on the first battlement and so, the Orks defense is lessening in the next minutes.
To the army far from the battlements of the fortress.
Salem: "This is time! Go in the offensive!"
Horus: "XVIth Legion! Purge the Xenos!"
And then, the Salemic ground army along with the XVIth Legion charged with their motorised vehicles to the battlements. Salem jumped on her personal Baneblade Tank, the Emerald Staff.
Salem: "Go in there Ilil and Allarielle! (turn to Horus). Horus, I find you inside the fortress!"
Horus simply nodded. Ilil and Allarielle goes inside the Baneblade and the old witch closed it.
The inside of the baneblade were filled with the close guards of Salem.
Salem: "Move to the battlements."
Royal Eagle group: "Yes, my lady!"
They immediately activate the tank who began to move to the battlements plunged to the chaos by the Hunters and the Knightmares.
Allarielle: "I cannot get used with these new guards…"
Salem: "Don't criticize my guards who are protecting my life and yours."
Allarielle: "Also, I never understand the difference between Knights, Mobile Suits and Knightmares…"
Salem: "Seriously? Do you really want I have to explain to you?"
Allarielle: "Yes! We have a bit of time after all!"
Salem: "Hmph… Fine. To summarize, the Knight comes from the Knight Worlds with noble families who goes to war to kill Xenos. They are a bit slow but very, very resistant to damage. They are the walking tanks of the Imperium. The Mobile Suits are mechas whose differences is they oriented in speed and mobility and sacrifice their resistance. And so, this is not rare for them to be destroyed. The Knightmares are just the continuation of that: Small, very fast but not that resistant. At least, the third generation is way more resistant and reactive than the precedents…"
Allarielle: "Okay."
Salem: "Good."
Royal Eagle 1: "We have arrived my lady! The walls are tear open!"
Salem: "Then, let's exit our tank! The minimum will guard it behind us! The others who are disponible, come with me and protect me!"
Royal Eagle 2: "Yes my lady!"
Salem: "Good…"
They open the lateral doors of the Baneblade and exited it and goes inside the hole who have been destroyed by the vehicles and artillery.
Salem: "Let's go."
She goes outside of the vehicle, followed by Ilil and Allarielle and her Royal Eagles.
Salem charged inside of the lower base of the Ork Fortress. Her soldiers are fighting the Boyz while the Faunus Hunters are killing the Orks wearing special weapons like the Shokk Attack Gun Orks who send Snotlings to their adversaries with their weapons. The XVIth Legion on their side are charging the flanks to destabilise their enemies. It was chaos but one thing is certain: the Orks are been pushed back.
Salem: "Let's go!"
She launched herself, followed by her group.
Salem takes out her katana and goes in the front. She ignites a wind power on the blade and began to slay like butter several Orks and a lot of Gretchins who are bold enough to try to jump to her.
Ilil on his side was slaying with his longsword in a quite efficient way the Orks coming toward him. Allarielle on her side used her Warp power, helped by her staff to burn, electrocute while she doesn't use her telekinesis to crush Ork bodies.
The Royal Eagles on his side is simply killing Orks and Gretchins with their upgraded Lazguns.
The battle lasted for hours and hours, they progressed and the whole army arrived to the second battlements. Here, they could see the trapped White Scars Chapter on the battlements holding their ground and giving a way to their position. Ladders, towers and other access construction permit the Salemic Army and the XVIth Legion going up to the battlements.
Salem's group arrived on the battlements and met the Chapter-Master, who his armour is damaged everywhere.
White Scars Chapter-Master: "Hello, Lady Salem."
Salem: "You are saved now."
White Scars Chapter-Master: "The main fortress is occupied by a Warboss who is a Weirdboss."
Salem: "Wait, seriously?"
He nodded.
White Scars Chapter-Master: "His name is Kurak Julork, self-proclaimed priest of Gork, he claimed to have gained power from his god. He is very dangerous."
Salem: "Thanks for the information… You should go behind; your men are not well…"
White Scars Chapter-Master: "No, this is my duty. I will go with my brothers who are still well to kill these Xenos."
Salem sighed.
Salem: "At least give yourself new weapons… (turn a Luna Wolf) Tell your brothers to give munitions and weapons to the White Scars. Also, help the injured to evacuate."
Luna Wolf: "Yes my lady!"
Salem: "The rest… To the dungeon!"
White Scars Chapter-Master: "Down to the Orks!"
Salem quickly descended the stairs leading to the second big square, separating the battlements and the dungeon.
The old witch tears her way inside of the Ork horde along with the rest of her group, her army and the XVIth legion.
She arrived in front of Luna Wolves who are trying to force the big metal door conducing them to the dungeon and to the Warboss. They posing a lot of explosives.
Luna Wolf: "Accumulate enough explosives and we blow it up!"
Salem: "Hm… Let's wait a little. We get ourselves up and wait Horus… (turn to the Luna Wolf) Where is he by the way?"
Luna Wolf: "He is still behind. He meets some resistance from the Orks in the southern battlements but he is breaking through at any moment."
At this moment, the Faunus Hunters arrived to the lady by jumping behind her.
Faunus Hunter: "My lady. We are ready to clear out the Orks. The second battlement has fallen."
Salem: "Good. Stay with me. The foe we are facing request a lot of help to deal with. And so, I request that any Hunter disponible has to come here."
Faunus Hunter 2: "I am going to tell them. I am the fastest!"
He uses his Semblance and goes back to the second battlements in a very high speed.
Salem: "He is fast… Good. Really good."
She turned to the door who is still in preparation.
Salem: "Let's see what happen next…"
Allarielle then blinked and shake the arm of the witch, visibly panicked.
Salem: "What?"
Allarielle: "He is coming…"
Salem: "What do you mean?"
Allarielle: "Kurak is coming! Like… rushing to us!"
Salem: "What?! Are you sure?!"
Allarielle: "Yes! He will tear apart the door!"
Salem turns to the Luna Wolves.
Salem: "You should go away now… The Ork is coming."
Luna Wolf: "Why I should trust the words of an Eldar? She could lie to us!"
Salem: "This is not the time for…"
BLAAAAAMM!
The door is destroyed to the shock of everyone. The Ork is here, with a big staff and big armour covering his body.
Kurak Julork: "Humies will die today, your blood will make Gork smile! Be smashed and beaten!"
Salem: "Fire now!"
Bolters from the Astartes, Laser from the Royal Eagle guards, Psychic blast from Allarielle and magic from Salem and some Astartes, all of them are fired to the Ork. But then, it impacted a psychic shield. The Ork loudly laughed in a guttural tone.
Kurak Julork: "AHAHAHAHAHAH! Humies are funny with their weponz!"
He launched a big psychic blast who pushed everyone. Salem, Ilil, Allarielle and her guards are blasted away. While the Astartes are disoriented before being attack by other Ork who poured out of the Dungeon.
Salem: "WHOUAH!"
She catches herself up and posed on her feet on the ground, along with Ilil and Allarielle. The Royal Eagle simply crashed hard on the ground.
Allarielle: "Take that!"
She launched a psychic blast to Kurak who simply blocked with his shield.
Allarielle: "What?!"
Kurak Julork: "This she-humies is a big one! Powerz inside her are so fierce!"
Allarielle: "I am an Eldar, you slithering green worm!"
Kurak Julork only laughed hard.
Kurak Julork: "No matter! I will butcher you!"
He sends an electric blast who hit hard Allarielle.
Allarielle: "WOOUAAAHH!"
Ilil: "Stop it!"
Salem: "Wait!"
Ilil launched himself against the Kurak, sword in his hand and avoided all of his attacks. But his sword strikes on the psychic shield.
Ilil: "No!"
Kurak: "You're a big one! If you where a boyz. You could have a big nobz! But since you a small humie…"
Ilil got send back and impact the ground hard far behind Salem. The two Eldar are not in shape to fight, Salem is now alone.
Salem: "If you have made a teamwork with me. We could have done it! Damn it… I am alone now…"
Kurak: "And you, She-humie, what do you think you gonna do?"
Salem: "I am big boss too! Believe that!"
Kurak launched a blast of psychic power toward Salem. But Salem only avoided by jumping in the air, surprising the Ork.
Salem: "Foolish Ork! You think you can catch off guard a human like with the same attack twice?!"
She tossed her katana and launched herself down to the Ork. He has no time to react. She breached the psychic with her foot full of magic, grabbed the horns of the Ork helmet and then, then she strikes her knee right in the face of the Warboss. Then, she sends multiple punches full of magic right to the Warboss, breaking his chest plate and turning his skin to shreds.
Salem: "ROOOOAAAAHH!"
She sends a final attack to the Ork's face with a big right fist, full of magic. But powered by pain and surprised, the staff of the Ork glowed and then, a big psychic explosion send Salem away.
Salem: "WOUAAAAHH!"
She falls to the ground, in pain by the surge of psychic energy, who is the only thing who could actually make feel the pain. It was always unbearable.
Salem: "Shit… Why the psychic power is always so… horribly painful?"
The Warboss on his side, despite his injuries is mostly fine.
Kurak: "Ah! You are big one too, she-humie! But I am still the Warbozz! Your head will be perfect for Gork!"
?: "Not so fast!"
Everyone turned to Horus, who is visibly angered. He is followed by Abaddon.
Horus: "I am the biggest Boyz on this group and you won't dethrone me…"
Salem: "Horus… You are here…"
Horus looks at his mom full of concern.
Horus: "Go now. I'll take the lead."
Salem: "Okay…"
She is helped by the Royal Eagles, some of the Royal Eagles takes Ilil and Allarielle with them, incapable of moving.
Horus turned to the Ork who pointed his staff toward him, challenging him.
Horus: "So be it… Stay behind Abaddon!"
Abaddon nodded.
Horus launched himself toward Kurak and quickly clashed with him. The Ork blocked his mace with his staff. The two began to clash each other. A dance of mace and staff, searching to avoid the other and strike the wearer but it just couldn't do it. Every time Horus try to strike Kurak, the one instinctively blocked his mace. When Kurak attack with his staff, Horus avoided him by moving aside. Minutes and minutes
Then the two stopped, take a few step backs and looked each other for a moment.
Horus suddenly launched a big magic energy beam toward the Warboss with his free hand. The Ork counters it with a big psychic flame with his staff. The two stayed in a stalemate, one trying to overcome the other.
Horus: "Your power is impressive… But this is not always the case!"
He increased his beam to the max, overpowering the psychic flames and directly strikes the Ork.
Kurak: "AAAAARRGHHH!"
The amount of magic is so intense that the Warboss psychically exploded. It directly affects every Ork close to him, with their heads exploding. The Warboss rest is only a smoke and a crater.
Horus: "Good riddance."
He turned to Abaddon.
Horus: "Where is my mother?"
Abaddon: "Here."
He glanced to the Royal Eagles surrounding a recovering Salem who was sit on a rumble, Ilil and Allarielle are beside her, still unconscious. Horus approached her.
Horus: "Mom… are you alright?"
Salem: "A bit better… thanks for your help."
Horus: "Please. Don't scare me like that."
Salem: "I will try to be more careful. This is a promise."
Salem glances to the ground around the Ork fortress. A lot of Astartes corpse could be seen on the ground.
Salem: "This is disastrous…"
Horus: "I know… Let's hope that Rogal Dorn and Mortarion will destabilise the Ork Empire…"
In the next weeks… The XVIth Legion and the 6th Expeditionary fleet helping the Vth Legion are pushing back the Orks. But these Xenos are causing massacres.
But good news has come. Rogal Dorn and Mortarion managed to cause problems inside of the empire of Gharluk and the pressure is loosening on the reunited army.
Two months later… There is one last Ork holding standing on Gar-Ban-Gar, the Bloody Maw.
Salem, now head discovered is with her Faunus Hunters and her two sons without forgetting the two Elars.
Salem: "Are you serious?"
Faunus Hunter: "Yes. A really big Ork, surely a Warboss. Accompanied by a lot of some kind of Weirdboyz who are his Nobz, by judging their very eye-catching armours."
Faunus Hunter 2: "And from we heard about our infiltration. This Ork is no doubt Gharluk who has come to us by warp travel."
Salem: "Hm I see… He tries a breakthrough. This is the perfect moment to strike."
Jaghatai Khan: "Finally, my sons will be avenged."
Horus: "Let's finish this."
And so, a gigantic offensive is conduced inside of the Bloody Maw. Everything is thrown, the Knightmares, the Astartes and the Salemic Army.
The loses where terrifying but each Ork killed is unreplaceable and soon, they go further inside of the volcano to finally arrived inside of a big cave, with the makeshift warp portal where Gharluk was defending. In the right, a big magma lake could be seen under it.
Gharluk: "Boyz! Kill them all! In the name of Gork and Mork!"
Salem: "Purge the Xenos! For the Imperium!"
The clash began between the two armies, the Orks are defending fiercely, especially with the Nobz Weirdboyz who needs to be taken out by five Astartes of the Luna Wolves at the same time, since they have magic to counter their Psychic power.
Jaghatai: "We are advance. Be brave!"
But then, Jaghatai have a vision of horror. He could see, his best friend: Giyahun in difficulty and then: the unthinkable happens, he is pushed and falls inside of the Magma Lake.
Jaghatai: "NOOOOO! GIYAHUN!"
The silence falls on the cave and everyone stops fighting, the Vth Legion couldn't believe it. Their chief is dead.
Salem: "No. Not him…"
Jaghatai: "Step aside…"
Salem: "What?"
Jaghatai: "I say step aside."
The old witch could see the face full of rage from Jaghatai, she steps aside. And Jaghatai arrived in front of the Orks, and Gharluk.
Jaghatai: "You. All you. You will fight alone with me."
Gharluk looked at Jaghatai one instant and smirked.
Gharluk: "This Humie is ours! Boyz! Attack him!"
Horus: "Jaghatai Khan, what are you doing?!"
Jaghatai: "ROOOAAAAH!"
He launched himself against the Orks Weirdboyz and mortal fight began to occur. Jaghatai, full of wrath, managed to overcome the psychic protections of his enemies by being angrier than them. He slaughters one, two, three, five, eight, etc… with his sword.
A few one, especially Gharluk escaped inside of the Warp Portal while the Khan finished off the rest.
Jaghatai: "COME BACK!"
Salem: "Wait, Jaghatai don't…!"
He doesn't listen and crossed the portal. And Salem with the rest of the army only listened in horror, the screams of agonizing orks.
Salem: "Oh… by the Imperium."
While hearing the screams of agony. She feels a presence behind her.
Alter voice: "Rage is so… exquisite… Power coming from it... so overwhelming…"
Salem (not turning around): "No… Not you… go away… just go…"
Alter voice: "Power is close… Wrath is accomplishment…"
Salem: "No! NO! Stop it!"
Her outburst makes the voice going away but bring the attention of Horus, Ilil and Allarielle.
Horus: "Mom. Are you okay?"
Salem: "Huh?"
Horus: "It's okay. I know you cannot bear it sometimes."
Salem widened; Horus confused her outburst with the scene unfolding. She decided to go along with it to not be weird in the eyes.
Salem: "Huh… It's just… It's so horrible…"
Ilil: "I know… I know… It's okay miss Salem…"
He embraced her.
Then, the screams stops and everyone stared to the portal. And then, Jaghatai exits the warp portal. Covered in Ork blood and dragging the corpse of Gharluk on one hand.
His face was no longer enraged but now full of sadness.
Jaghatai dropped the corpse and arrived in front of Salem.
Jaghatai: "Giyahun is dead…"
Salem: "I know…"
Jaghatai only dropped and hugged Salem while crying silently.
Salem: "I know the pain of losing someone very dear to you… I swear."
A few days later…
The planet was conquered of Gar-Ban-Gar was fully conquered. But the hour was for funeral. The closest friend of Jaghatai Khan rests is been deposed inside of a big memorial. With all the high-ranking Astartes of the two Legions.
Salem: "Astartes of the Vth Legion. You have fought with bravery from the beginning with the great Khan of Chogoris. Be your name never forgot."
Jaghatai deposed the head of the Warboss on the memorial. Several Astartes lifted their weapons in the air and fired several times.
The end of this crusade was pretty Grimm for the Vth Legion.
(Note: If you find the last part of this chapter with too much pathos. It's the fact that I discovered the existence of Giyahun very late, too late. If you find forced, I present my excuses in advance for this lack of subtlety).
To be continued… The Eight Magic Colleges.
Salem decided to build on her favourite planet Altdorf a new kind of college based on the works of Magnus but also her own knowledge.
Next episode… Anahktor destruction.
Accompanied by Angron, Sanguinius tried to bring into the compliance the Anahktor sector. But he is betrayed by a terrible kamikaze attack. Sanguinius was so furious that he decided to purge the system. Awakening a dark presence inside of himself.
