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 51: The Conformity of Kharaatan.
Konrad Curze has gained a sinister reputation with his VIIIth Legion he named the Night Lords. A reputation of a cold butcher who is no better than Angron.
First, the conquest of Piamen shortly after his reunion with his Legion was with the most abject mean to conquest the planet. After taking over the flagship of the planet, The Storm's Rock. He killed the hundreds of thousands of crewmembers before throwing their bodies to the planetary city of Piamen, Irrabast. Terrorising the inhabitants to the highest. Konrad Curze showing that abject fear is the only thing who keeps the population in check.
Next, the devastation of Zoat.
The Thousand Sons accompanied by the Night lords lead the conquest of Zoat. After Konrad Curze massacred one ten of the population. He wanted to destroy the tower of I'vil'kuuh, a great library containing the culture of Zoat while Magnus wanted to let it intact, clearly interested in the knowledge contained inside of it. The argument between the two only escalated with Magnus protecting magically the tower. The VIIIth Primarch mocked him to the end and explained since he has reunited with the Imperium. He was chained by the thought that he lived in misery. And even if he has to take the whole eternity, he will destroy this tower in the end. Magnus has not other choice but let him destroy the tower. Magnus was very bitter by this confrontation.
Another iteration of his gruesome attitude is showing to a queen the reality of the Great Crusade after she demanded to tell him the truth since she was sceptical about the values of the Imperium of Man. Konrad Curze simply nonchalantly showed her all the rebels who opposed him getting pushed by the Night Lords in a volcano. She was scandalised and scared about this, for the great pleasure of the VIIIth Primarch.
This is useless to say he was despised by all of his brothers. Especially Corvus Corax, partaking the same appearance. Corvus Corax alongside Natsuri and Astari as an evil and barbaric twin of the XIXth Primarch. Also, Konrad was jealous of Corax because he could made himself invisible. If Konrad haunted the night, Corvus was the night.
But it was nothing compared with his relation with Zorai. Zorai was a dictator who gets the things done in his growing Phoenix Empire along with an undisputed autocratic power coupled cult of personality from his citizens, except the Divine Monks.
And in this year of 931.M30. Zorai is fighting the Mongo System but since the system is resisting his armies with their sheer numbers. He has no other choice.
In his flagship, the Lord of Volcanoes. Decorated by the scarlet-orange colour of the flames with the symbol of the Phoenix Empire on the two sides.
Inside of it was a replica of the Throne room of Huǒzāi in Yitài. The Astartes of the XIth Legion now named the Huǒshān zhànshì (Note: "Volcanic Warrior" in Traditional Chinese) were guarding the room in each side. The personal Astartes guard of Zorai in this room were dressed in the same attire as their counterpart in Yitài simply adjusted as their size.
Zorai was accompanied by Asuka on his right while Myn was on his left. He was dressed in this extravagant Phoenix King cloth while Asuka was on side, dressed in her Fire Lord clothes. Separating the throne from the rest of the room with a huge flame.
Then the doors open, revealing Corvus Corax with Natsuri and Astari, now aged in 9 years old. Like her mom, she is sporting a tank-top and cargo pants with boots.
Corvus: "Hello, my brother."
Zorai: "Customarily, you should bow before greeting me, Corvus."
Corvus frowns before sighing and bow, accompanied by Natsuri and Astari.
Zorai: "You finally come to me to answer my request."
Corvus: "What do you want from me?"
Zorai: "A help because the Mongo System is resisting with stubbornness at my rule. Refusing to acknowledge the greatness of the Imperium and especially of the Phoenix Empire. I want to bring them down by the interior and you are the right Primarch to fit this mission."
Corvus: "Why don't you ask me more… casually? I am not your subordinate Zorai."
Asuka: "Silence, uncle. This is the way you have to ask for the Phoenix King."
Corvus sighed again.
Corvus: "So… Phoenix King. What do you want from me?"
Zorai: "Simply by attacking right in the core of the Mongo System while the rest of my Legion will take out the rest."
Corvus: "So, you can bee seen as the great conqueror?"
Zorai frowns.
Zorai: "What are you insinuating?"
Corvus: "Absolutely nothing."
Zorai: "Sit down on the table."
Corvus sited close to the small table displaying the map of the Mongo System. Natsuri and Astari sit down next to Corvus Corax.
Astari: "Mommy, I am scared…"
Asuka: "SHHT! Not a word."
She says that in an authoritative tone mixed with coldness, startling the little blonde girl. Natsuri glared at Asuka while hugging her daughter. How could her niece could consider herself superior?
Zorai: "Now… Let me explain. Here is Mongogar, that I would call Mongoprime. This is an industrial world vital for the armies of Mongo. Take over the planet and guard it."
He shows the planet in question on the hologram.
Zorai: "My spies there is three weak point than you can exploit. Here, these entry towers for the refinery zone to the space where the vessels are coming from mining planets. Next, the exits towers in the other side of the planet where the vessels leave with the finished products feeding the whole Mongo system. Finally, the central palace who rules the planet who is on a place perfectly flat and make a target. Taking over these three zones will make take over the rest of the planet."
Corvus: "It would be difficult, facing alone the whole planet."
Zorai: "You are an assassin. Just do chaos on the planet by assassinating the officials. There."
He snaps his fingers and a servant brings a scroll to Corvus that he opens it. Written on here are all the names and images of the officials of Mongogar and owners of the factories.
Corvus looks at Zorai with an impassible look.
Corvus: "I see. I think this is possible to do this plan. But what is the benefit for you?"
Zorai: "This is infuriating that I need the Imperium to upgrade my Empire. The Mongo System is my first step to be the true Phoenix King. Their factories are close to my system."
Corvus lift his eyebrow at this statement. He is about to respond. A knock is heard.
Zorai: "Yes?"
The door opens and a Astartes of the XIth Legion arrived inside of the room, he bowed in front of the Phoenix King before showing a scroll in front of the lord.
Huǒshān zhànshì Astartes: "An important message for you."
The Phoenix King makes a sign to approach while reducing the flames a little and the Astartes climb the few stairs before giving it to Zorai. The Astartes then descend the stairs and goes on the side.
Zorai widened at the message before being irritated.
Zorai: "It can't be!"
Corvus: "What is happening?"
Zorai: "The Night Lords are attacking the other side of the Mongo System. And are spreading mass panic with their massacres!"
Asuka: "WHAT?! This is disgraceful! How he dares to do that?!"
Zorai: "Quiet Asuka! (turn to Corvus). You understand what is happening?"
Corvus: "Yes, putting these people in mad fear is not good for your future rule."
Zorai: "Corvus. Go taking over Mongoprime before him! I don't want him turning my future subjects in shreds!"
Corvus: "Of course Zorai."
And so, in the next weeks. The frenzy of the war accelerated on the Mongo System. Zorai taking over and annexing with his troops the planets in the east. Corvus succeeding occupying Mongoprime while Konrad Curze is purging in the South-West.
But there is a last planet still independent. Mugota, the Throne-World of the Mongo Empire. And Konrad is going on the planet while Zorai is behind, occupied to submit the planets he has already.
So, Asuka with her own part of the Legion. Dressed in their more casual military attire unlike the close guards of the rest of the Legion. (Note: Fire Nation soldiers armour, not the Domestic Soldiers but the main military). Corvus accompany her in a trial to reach Mugota before Konrad.
Asuka: "So we are going on Mugota since they wanted negotiate with the Phoenix Empire. Let's show them our might…"
Corvus: "Hm…"
But at the fleet of the XIth Legion accompanied by the XIXth Legion exited the warp facing the planet. The whole group is shocked to see the vessels of Night Lords overing on the planet.
Asuka: "By the Fire Spirit… Not this!"
She goes to the table of the capcom.
Asuka: "Contact the officials now!"
The capcom obey and tries to contact in every line of communication possible but only sounds of sizzling could be heard from the other side.
Capcom: "I don't know what's happening my lady… Nothing is coming."
Asuka was becoming furious, a cold yet intense anger.
Asuka: "He has to explain himself what happened… Also, inspect for the libraries and other scientific complexes."
Capcom: "Why my lady?"
Asuka: "Just do it!"
The capcom began to sensor on the planet but every result in the same thing, satellite images of these mentioned libraries and other scientific complexes are ruined and burning. Asuka was reaching her breaking point while her body was trembling in rage. Just to be hugged by Astari from behind.
Asuka: "What are you doing?!"
Astari: "I don't like when my cousin is angry."
Asuka: "Just get off me, for Spirit's sake! I am a not a crying little girl!"
Natsuri: "Asuka. She is trying to calm you down. You are not the one who is irritated by this…"
Corvus: "All of this destruction… All for what? What is the point?"
Asuka glances to her uncle and aunt. Who were both irritated by this destruction. She calms down a little.
Asuka: "Ok, I am right… (turn to Astari) … Can you please stop hugging me?"
Astari hesitates before releasing her cousin. Natsuri gives a nod to Asuka to her more polite response. Asuka just rolled her eyes before going back.
Asuka: "Prepare the landing. I will take my armour."
Natsuri: "We'll accompany you."
Asuka turns back to her uncle family, glaring at them before going to the door.
Asuka: "As long as you don't bother me…"
Natsuri: "Okay…"
Asuka leaves the room. Natsuri turns back to Corvus.
Natsuri: "I am nervous, dear…"
Corvus: "Me too but we will confront this brother who has the bad luck to have the same face I have."
Astari: "Konrad is so scary. He is like you daddy, but he is so scaring me out."
Natsuri: "Don't worry Astari. We are going together, also, your cousin Asuka is a strong princess. I am sure she will handle the situation."
And so, in the next hours.
Corvus Corax, Asuka, Natsuri and Astari arrived on the planet. And the atmosphere war eerie and silent. Nobody was on the streets and the vagabonds are hiding in the dark areas of the capital city. No vehicles, not bustling noise, no life. Only wind and the only motors of the barges and other vehicles of the XIth Legion.
Asuka: "What the hell happened to this city? This capital has the reputation to be the most bustling city of the region neighbouring the Phoenix Empire!"
Natsuri: "This is like death has taken everything over…"
Astari: "Mommy, I am scared."
Corvus: "Konrad, what are you doing…"
The group accompanied by the Astartes of the two legions marched inside the city. Asuka was irritated but also nervous.
They came across a tunnel and Asuka sees a whole crowd hiding inside a tunnel or more accurately, trying to hide. Asuka softens her expression in trial to ask these people who observed her in terrified expression.
Asuka: "Ahem… Hello, citizens of Mugota. Can I ask you a few questions?"
Man: "Wha… What question?"
Asuka: "What happened to your city?"
The men and women winced and hesitated.
Asuka: "Come on… I won't hurt you."
Man 2: "This is a lie! The Butcher is just behind you!"
Woman: "Leave us alone please! All of our children have been taken away!"
Asuka turns to Corvus.
Asuka: "I think they mention you."
Corvus sighed and approached the crowd.
Corvus: "I am Corvus Corax. Primarch of the XIXth Legion, the Raven Guard. I look like my brother Konrad Curze. But I am not him. See the symbols on my Astartes?"
The crowd looked on Corvus and the symbols on the Astartes. They could see that the difference of the colors. The dark blue Astartes of the Night Lords were not there, replaced by the dark armour of the Raven Guard with the Mark-IV "Imperial Maximus Suit" or newly Mark-V "Corvus Armour" type to the XIXth Legion. The crowd calmed down a little facing this new statement.
Asuka: "Also, my own guards are here too."
She showed the Astartes of the XIth Legion.
Man 4: "You are… the rumoured princess of the Phoenix Empire who is at war with us…"
Asuka: "More like Fire Lady."
Man 5: "We cannot trust you!"
And a lot of the people in the crowd are shouting at her then a voice shuts them up.
Man 6: "Guys! I would rather be under the Phoenix King dominion than passing one more day under the terror of this butcher."
Man 7: "And what is this better?! We have no future anymore! Our children have been taken away and… killed."
Natsuri and Asuka gasped while Astari face becomes pale.
Asuka: "Wha… What?!"
Corvus: "Are you serious? What Konrad has done?"
Woman (sobbing): "These miserable Night Lords… They have taken away our children… because… because… He wanted to give us a lesson!"
Asuka: "Huuuuuuh… What kind of lesson?"
Woman 2: "About… respect! But this is not respect! This is murder!"
Asuka was horrified, along with her group. Then her face turns bright red of anger. She turns back and goes to the Firebenders footsoldiers.
Asuka: "Give them help immediately and transmit the message to do the same for the rest of the city."
Firebender 1: "Yes, My lady!"
The Firebenders goes to the tunnel while the rest goes to the rest of the city. Asuka approaches the group.
Asuka: "Let's go confront this maniac that I am ashamed to call Uncle."
Corvus: "Yes, I follow you, Asuka."
Natsuri nodded.
Astari: "Yeah! Uncle Konrad Curze is so mean!"
The group accompanied the Astartes of the two legions arrived in the center of the city. They could hear the terrified screams of the children accompanied by agony. Natsuri put a blindfold on her daughter.
When they arrived to the main avenue. The group is horrified to see a whole crowd of children to the horizon and guarded by the Night Lords. In the middle was an execution ground where some of them are executed being eviscerated in front of the rest of the crowd.
Natsuri: "Oh… by… oh… I think… I think I will throw up…"
Asuka: "Just do it if you need…"
Natsuri goes to a nearby wall and vomit the meal she has eaten for noon.
Asuka: "He has gone too far! Where he is?"
Corvus: "He is the one on the execution ground."
Asuka looks back and could see the huge figure of Konrad Curze. Who is doing the killing. When he is about to killed another child. Asuka snapped.
She uses her blue Firebending to propel herself and launch above the crowd of children, flying in the sky before launching at full speed against Konrad Curze.
Asuka: "STOOOOOPP IIIITTT!"
She launches a fire kick against Konrad Curze but her feet is stopped by the hand of the VIIIth Primarch. Konrad Curze turned his gaze to Asuka and smirked in a sinister way.
Konrad Curze: "Hello, my niece…"
He pushed back Asuka who managed to land on her feet on the other side of execution ground. No matter, Asuka takes a stance and blue, intense fire manifested on her palms.
Asuka: "What. The. Hell. Is. ALL OF THAT?!"
Konrad Curze sighed.
Konrad Curze: "These people are so resistant and refused to submit. And so, I decided to punish them in a new way. Simple execution and purge are not enough. So, I decided to punish their children, to teach them what happen when you oppose the Imperium of Man."
Asuka was even more furious after this statement.
Asuka: "The Phoenix Empire was already showing our superiority! We don't need your help! You ruined our Crusade! We are the one who has to prove the might of the Phoenix Empire and the Imperium! Not you! EVER! Slaughter Xenos like you love to do, it makes them reflect their mind twice before attacking Mankind! But not the members of our race!"
Konrad Curze stay silent before laughing hard in the face of Asuka.
Konrad Curze: "You say that when your father is not better! He said he want to civilise the world but they put citizens under his heals."
Asuka: "At least, he won't massacre them! (turn to the children crowd). Children of Mugota! The Phoenix Empire will promise you that the XIth Legion will chase away the Night Lords! Let us stop this madness!"
The crowd of children where unsure for what to do. Konrad Curze pointed his metal claws to Asuka.
Konrad Curze: "Don't defy me. Fire Lady…"
The situation is really tense. But then Corvus Corax suddenly appeared behind Konrad Curze and put his claws on the neck of the VIIIth Primarch.
Corvus Corax: "Don't threat my niece."
Konrad Curze was quite surprised before laughing again.
Konrad Curze: "That's all of this is to oppose me? Because you have morals? That's really funny."
Konrad turn his head to Corvus and glances with a sinister look and more serious expression.
Konrad Curze: "Only fear can bring peace. I wish you have accompanied me in the separation of our mother on Nostramo, since you are the night itself… We could have a good team."
Corvus: "I care about justice. The true, fair justice."
Asuka: "And I with my father knows the true societal order. Respect and pride are fundamental. Not simple terror. You are simply monstruous."
Konrad Curze: "Believe me Asuka. I know that in the future, true monsters will appear."
He tells this with so much confidence like he knows and hides something. Lifting the eyebrow of the two.
Asuka: "What do you mean by that?"
Konrad Curze: "Just only see. Also, I am bored now for all of these killings."
He smacked by surprise by the fist of Konrad, a vicious attack who relieves his grip. Asuka aimed her flames towards the VIIIth Primarch. But Konrad Curze only walked out of the execution ground, not acknowledging the Fire Lady, not even Corvus Corax who was recomposing himself.
Konrad Curze: "See you again… my family."
The crowd of the children backed away by pure terror while the VIIIth Primarch only walked. Under the glares of the Fire Lady and the liberator of Delivrance.
A few weeks later…
On the planet of Grüne Ebenen Erste. Salem was facing her two sons with their families while she is finishing to cut leaves on her tree inside of a garden. She is dressed in a proper gardener attire while her hair is assembled in a braid. She was accompanied by a lot of former members of the 'We have been victims too' women who are now wearing a monitoring collar with shaved heads along with Salem's guards.
Salem: "I am sorry for you."
Asuka: "What?! This is all you can said?! 'I am sorry'?! You have to stop him! Konrad Curze is a degenerate like Angron!"
Salem glares at her granddaughter at this statement.
Salem: "Don't dare to insult your uncle. He is sane now and tries to make amends for his past mistakes."
Zorai: "What my daughter said that Konrad Curze needs to stop all of these senseless killings. You blame me that I consider my subjects at they are already: subjects. But killing people to an absolute gruesome way when there is no need to do."
Corvus: "Konrad Curze as a twisted sense of justice that I cannot accept at all."
Natsuri: "Me neither, he is complete psycho."
Astari: "He is like my daddy but completely scary!"
Salem: "Listen to me. I have already not enough time for all of you. I have come back from a crusade with Sanguinius a few days ago. But trust me, I will talk to him in due time."
Asuka responded by this by snatching the cutting scissors from Salem's hands before tossing them on the ground and burn it with her Firebending. Salem's was shocked by this bold move and before she could say anything.
Asuka: "You disgust me. You excuse the acts of the few who has done nothing especially wrong but you spare the worst of the worsts? You better act now instead of doing something useless like cutting leaves!"
Salem frowned.
Salem: "Asuka. I am your grandma. I know more your uncles than you. It just takes time to change the mind of someone or at least make them less extreme. Mortarion is against any form of magic and psychic powers but he is silent when its about the other Legions because he knows they depends on them and makes great wonder. Angron has changed his mind on me and the rest of our family after a few exchanges. Perturabo doesn't impose his system anymore on human planets and he is less hated than before. Often, the solution is time because people change."
Asuka: "No matter. I am done with this madman! He is intervening one more time and massacre our future subjects again. I will kick his butt and mark him with fire!"
Zorai approached Asuka and hold her shoulder.
Zorai: "This is my responsibility as a Fire Lord. Don't lower yourself at this extent. I will do it myself."
Salem: "I promise I will discuss with Konrad Curze. Just focus on the Great Crusade. I am sure you can do it."
She turned back to her servants who seems to be working slower.
Salem: "What the hell are doing you lazy dullards?! Work harder! Work more on the vegetables!"
The servants in question are scared and takes their vegetables inside their bags in a faster pace. Salem turns back to her family.
Salem: "Sorry… These idiotic women are still not learned their lesson about the hard work of life."
Asuka scoffed.
Asuka: "You know what? I am done talking to you for now. You pretend to care for your family when you just are just as controlling as the Emperor."
Salem: "What is this accusation now? I…"
Asuka interrupts her.
Asuka: "No… even the Emperor is too nice. You are just as bad as my grand-grandfather. Like controlling and restraining our freedom."
Salem widened and becomes livid as she realised that Asuka means her own father, the one who imprisoner her in the tower in the first years of life. And she dares to compare her with HIM?!
Corvus: "Asuka! You are going too far!"
Natsuri: "Don't you realise the weight of your words?!"
But before Asuka could respond, Salem approached her and glared to her granddaughter, with tears of rage dripping for her blue eyes.
Salem (cold and silent tone): "You take that back…"
Asuka was now nervous, realising she said something that she won't able to take back.
Asuka: "Huh… I… I…"
Asuka struggled to say sorry since she is too proud to descend a few stairs and apologize to someone, even if her own grandmother.
Asuka (whisper): "I am… sorry…"
Salem (cold and sarcastic tone): "I don't hear it well. I am an old hag you know? Like you see me as such…"
Asuka (louder): "I am… sorry!"
Salem (furious tone): "Apologize with honesty! I can feel you are still mean your insult!"
She grabs the cloth of her granddaughter. And Asuka began to be really terrified and for the first time, she feels lesser than her own. Especially she could see the eyes of her grandma going red while her sclera slowly goes black.
Asuka (panicked): "I am sorry! I am sorry! I AM SORRY!"
Salem: "Good…"
Asuka is released and Salem's eyes goes back to normal as she calmed down. Salem breathed loudly as she could feel her anger inside of her skin.
Zorai looks coldly at her mother.
Zorai: "If you are doing this one more time to my heir. I will be forced to stop you."
Salem widened at this statement. Then a thought crossed her mind. She is tempted to beat the butt her son to talk back like that, along with Asuka who has insulted. But she is shocked to have this alien thought in the first place and quickly shakes this off.
Salem: "I… I need to go… I have enough talk for today."
Zorai: "Better. Let's go Asuka."
He forcefully takes his daughter by the hand and quickly leave the scene.
Corvus: "Are you okay?"
Salem breathed heavily.
Salem: "I am fine… I… just… I am just tired… mentally… I have to go… see you later…"
Corvus: "Okay…"
Natsuri simply nodded.
Salem simply leaves the garden when Corvus and his family leaves in the opposite side.
A few hours later…
Salem was in the bathroom in one of the guest rooms in the presidential palace, now dressed in a dressing gown, with her hair loose. She is putting water on her face to trying to cancel the strain on her brain.
But as she continues, she suddenly feels a presence behind her and then a sinister and dark voice, but just as loud as small whisper in her very ear.
Voice: "Why I don't just teach my granddaughter respect about me? After all, I have been insulted to this extent."
Salem widened and turned back and… nobody. No one but herself.
Salem: "I am just tired… I am just… tired."
Months later, in another sector of the Galaxy…
Vulkan was with Konrad Curze after he contacted him. Facing a hologram of a green planet inside of the flagship of the Flamewrought.
Konrad Curze: "What do you want from me Vulkan?"
Vulkan: "I need help on a human planet enslaved by Eldars."
Konrad Curze: "Ho… I see."
Vulkan: "And since the other Primarchs are occupied. I have no other choice but to call you."
Konrad Curze: "Hm…"
Vulkan: "Now, let me explain what is about this planet."
Konrad Curze: "I am all ears…"
Vulkan: "The Investigators as given to me information that twelve Aeldaris are the self-proclaimed overlords of the planet. With their psychic powers, they mentally enslaved the humans inhabiting this planet."
Konrad Curze: "Hm… I would say that we would keep this affair secret. Because, you know… We have a guest with our mom."
Vulkan: "Don't remind me."
Konrad Curze: "Okay…"
Vulkan: "So, we will take over the city but concentrate our forces on the Aeldaris. Since they possessed psychic powers. We have to counter them with magic weapons."
Konrad Curze: "I see. And what have you brought to me?"
Vulkan: "I have crafted with Magnus more magical weapons. Here, take this."
He takes out a sheet on a table. It reveals claws retractable gauntlets.
Vulkan: "When these claws plunges to the flesh, it liberates huge and deadly energy blasts capable of burning to the 4th degree the target. It's for you."
Konrad Curze: "Hm… I would thank you."
Vulkan: "Your welcome. Since magic counters the psychic powers, it would be effective against of these Xenos. But be careful, if their psychic powers are stronger than these weapons. These Eldars would be the ones who will hurt us."
Konrad Curze: "To be fair, I like challenge since a moment. I am tired for whimpering victims."
He removes his current retractable gloves and takes on the magic gloves and attach them his hands. And then he feels his mind clearer. The weight of his visions considerably worn down. He not sees Vulkan as the one-red eyed tarnished future warrior anymore. He sees him as the current Vulkan. Konrad was shocked. Finally, these parasites visions who warped his mind where no more.
Vulkan: "Are you okay?"
Konrad Curze snapped out of his realisation.
Konrad Curze: "Oh… Of course, even better than before. So, let's go end the Xenos."
Vulkan lift his eyebrow since he feels a deeper meaning behind his words.
Moments later…
Konrad Curze arrived on a drop pod on a Khar-taan, one of the nine major cities of Kharataan. Followed by thousands of other of drop pods.
They all crashed down inside of the city, plunging the city in chaos since they are unprepared for this attack.
Konrad Curze exited the drop pod and faces the few guards that managed to survive. The other Night Lords exited their drop pods.
Konrad Curze smirked and then simply said.
Konrad: "Strike them all."
And so, the slaughter began. Soldiers, men and women, even children are all targered and killed. The buildings are put in fire. Konrad Curze makes an abject massacre of the whole population of this city.
After a moment, he arrived in front of the lord of the city. An Eldar dressed in a silver-elaborated armour but none of the technologies used by other Eldars.
Konrad Curze: "Oh here you are…"
The Eldar doesn't respond and launched himself against Konrad Curze with his sword. Konrad is surprised to see this Eldar to be so resistant. It makes him smirking further.
Konrad Curze: "That's really good."
A fierce fight began between the two fighters. Konrad Curze slashed against the Eldar. But all blows coming from Konrad Curze are dodged or blocked by the Eldar while he doesn't avoid skilfully with acrobatic moves.
Konrad Curze: "You are fast… But there is the thing…"
He kicked on a ruin with so much strength that the ruin falls apart. And a huge cloud of smoke. The Eldar exited it and looks everywhere around him. Anywhere that the Primarch could be and catches him by surprise.
But suddenly, the Primarchs shows up by the sky and strikes him on the chest. And then, the magic energy courses inside of the body of the Eldar. He screamed in agony since his body cannot bear the amount coursing and reducing his soul to shreds.
And then, the body of the Eldar falls limps and doesn't move anymore.
Konrad on his side was walking away from the body of the Eldar. But suddenly, he is seized by a vision. He could see a little girl facing him, a little Eldar girl. His mind begs him to save her. Then, the vision ends.
Konrad grunted. Despite these magic claws, great visions still bother him.
Konrad: "Grmbl… Let's go now for Vulkan…"
A few hours later…
Vulkan arrived inside of the city, clearly horrified by this sight. The soldiers where eviscerated, the scholars are burned while civils are hanged.
Salamander: "What do we do my lord?"
Vulkan: "Burn this city down. I cannot bear it."
Salamander: "Okay…"
And so, the city of Khar-taan is burned down by the Pyroclasts of the Legion. Vulkan is contacted by his earpiece.
Konrad Curze (radio): "Hello my brother…"
Vulkan: "What is the meaning of this?!"
Konrad Curze (radio): "Calm down. By doing it… It will terrorise the other cities to death. Believe me, you will be thankful."
Vulkan: "Nonsense! I cannot tolerate that! They will be angrier at us! I cannot believe you are still doing that while everyone in our family is calling out your actions!"
He closes the communication, doesn't wanting to hear the voice his brother.
Days passes and for Vulkan's surprise: The capital city of Khar-Tann, Khartor has surrendered and arrested the Xeno family ruling the city. Proving that the efficiency of the psychological terror inflicted to adversaries.
Vulkan arrived inside of the city and could see the Aeldaris in question, still dressed in their rich attire in a Ceramite prison. He assigned three Astartes Librarians to guard them.
After a few moments, Konrad Curze comes across of the prison.
Konrad Curze: "See? I was right Vulkan. Fear always works."
Vulkan grunted.
Vulkan: "I am forced to believe it. But you are still a butcher for the whole Imperium. It's a surprise that our mother doesn't calls out your methods yet."
Konrad Curze: "What? I am very nice to her or at least. I don't try to bother her. It would be stupid."
Konrad glances a moment inside of the cell. He could see several adults, men and women dressed in rich clothes. Accompanied by dozens of childrens. Especially a little girl with blonde hair and blue eyes.
But Konrad Curze has once again visions in his head. He sees the little girl, now adult, in the arms of Ilil Swiftseeker who is also an adult. Dressed in great white robe, her hair gold as the sun while her eyes are glowing like moons. The two are inside of the Sanctum Imperialis, accompanied by Salem, now pale, with pale hair, dark veins, red eyes with dark sclera and dressed in an elaborated white robe with eyes and imperium symbols (Note: Salem's in this vision wears an equivalent of Lelouch vi Britannia's Emperor's clothes). His mind telling him once again to protect this destiny at all cost.
When Konrad Curze snapped out of his trance, he finds himself on the ground, in pain.
Konrad Curze (grunted): "Ooooh… What happened?!"
He looks everywhere and could see the population goes completely mad, panicked. He realised immediately what happened. The Aeldaris where nowhere to be seen.
Night Lord: "My lord is you okay?!"
Konrad Curze: "What just happened?!"
Night Lord 2: "The Aeldaris attacked us by surprise. They provoked by their powers a mass panic in the population. The Primarch Vulkan is actually fighting them!"
Konrad Curze widened.
Konrad Curze: "Have you saw a little Eldar girl among them. One with blue eyes and gold hair?"
Night Lords 3: "They have all run away so It's a chance she is with them?!"
Konrad Curze: "Vulkan shouldn't kill her! The others maybe, but not her at any moment!"
This phrase surprised the other Night Lords.
Night Lord 4: "But why?"
Konrad Curze: "No time to explain! Where they are?!"
Night Lord 5: "To the southern part of the city! They try to escape!"
Konrad Curze: "Then let's go!"
The Primarch rushed inside the streets, making his way by tearing apart everyone on his way. He gives a glance to the fallen Astartes bodies that the Aeldaris killed. Not by affection but it shows the way where the Aeldaris has ran away.
Finally, he arrived to the walls of the city where a hole was dig inside to permit the population to escape. Right before that, Konrad could see the Aeldaris killed. Only the little girl remained, she was on the ground, begging in the Eldar language in front of an enraged Vulkan. The XVIIIth Primarch lifted his hammer and launched against the head of the little girl.
But the hammer is deflected by the claws of Konrad. To the surprise of Vulkan. The Salamander takes a few steps back.
Vulkan: "What are you doing?!"
Konrad Curze: "Don't kill her. This Aeldari don't have to die?"
Vulkan: "What?! Why?! These Aeldaris have enslaved this population and you are…!"
Konrad Curze: "I have saw a vision and it tells me that she would be a great asset for the Imperium! I have saw her in the arms of Ilil Swiftseeker! Don't do it!"
Vulkan widened and glanced to the little Eldar girl.
Vulkan: "Are you serious?!"
Konrad Curze: "Absolutely. If you touch one hair from her. I will slice your throat like the Salamander you are!"
He aimed his claws in the direction of Vulkan to show his willingness. Vulkan glared to Konrad then to the little Eldar girl turning back to Konrad
Vulkan: "I won't approach you anymore. You are killer in addition to be a complete fool."
Vulkan turned his back and goes out of the city. Konrad turn back to the little girl. He retracted his claws inside his gloves and kneeled in front of the little Eldar girl.
Konrad: "There. There is not need to be afraid."
But the little girl stands up and with a mixed rage fuelled voice with sadness, she screams at him and cursed him with names that he couldn't understand since its Eldar language. He takes a few steps further and then with a new scream of the equivalent of 'LEAVE ME ALONE', a gigantic psychic blast sends Konrad a few steps out of the way. When it subsided, the little Eldar girl found herself on the ground, unconscious.
Konrad approached her and takes her in his arms.
Konrad: "Takes a few Librarians to watch her, just in case. We'll return to Terra."
A few weeks later on Terra…
Salem was a bit irritated to see Konrad Curze in front of her.
Salem: "Why are you keep going this? Massacring people to instil fear on them, you will only get resentment!"
Konrad Curze: "I don't care and scolding from you won't change my mind. But I came here for a much more serious reason."
Salem: "Then what?"
Konrad Curze: "This girl."
A Night Lord is holding the hand of an Eldar blonde girl, she is dressed in rags. In an abject fear. Salem was surprised.
Salem: "An Eldar? What is the meaning of this?"
Konrad Curze: "I have already told you about my visions, right?"
Salem: "Yes. And what is the link here?"
Konrad Curze: "I saw this young eldar girl in a vision, adult, being hold in the arms of Ilil Swiftseeker, your protegee. And it seems they are fallen in love in addition to become really powerful."
Salem widened.
Salem: "Really?!"
Konrad nodded.
Salem: "I understand more now…"
She approached the little girl who was trembling in absolute terror.
Salem: "Ahem… (in Aeldari language). What is your name?"
The little girl widened and unsure to what respond.
Salem (Aeldari language): "Don't worry. I won't hurt you."
Aeldari girl (Aeldari language): "… A… Allarielle."
Salem (Aeldari language): "Allarielle… Cute name. Come with me, I have a friend to present to you."
Allarielle doesn't respond, too afraid.
Salem (Aeldari language): "Don't worry, he is an Eldar like you."
She extended her hand towards the little Eldar girl while she was released from the grip of the Night Lord. With a lot of hesitation mixed with fear, Allarielle gives her hand to Salem.
Salem (Aeldari language): "Good. Now follow me…"
Salem turned back to Konrad Curze.
Salem: "I still don't approve your manner to do war. If a problem came to you and it's linked to your actions. I won't help you in the slightest. You have to assume the consequences of your actions."
Konrad Curze rolled his eyes. Salem turned her back and goes with Allarielle in the corridors of the Sanctum Imperialis.
To be continued… Edelgard's fear.
Edelgard is still shaken by this transformation she had undergone a few years ago. Despite the efforts of Salem and Fulgrim to make trust herself again. This will be difficult.
Next episode… Compliance of Davin and Colonisation of Gethsamaine.
The Feral World of Davin is brought under the Compliance of the Luna Wolves. Horus try to make this planet like Lorgar Aurelian a beacon of his ideal views. A bit later in another part of the Galaxy, the Merchant Fleet of Adoria discovers by accident a new planet with rain forests filled of primitive flora. They decide to make a colony of science.
