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 55: Conquest of Jugur.

943.M30. In the East of the Ultima Region.

[Theme: Azula – Avatar the Last Airbender].

The Fire Lady of the Phoenix Empire is facing the King of a planet named Jucesco. A non-compliant planet next to the Phoenix Empire borders. Asuka was facing him, dressed in a battle armour.

The King was chained in front of her, along with all of his family.

King of Jucesco: "You miserable… Why do you want to enslave us?"

Asuka: "Excuse me? Enslaving you? No… I am just doing the job of the Imperium of Man…"

King of Jucesco: "By taking us our lands?!"

Asuka: "This is not YOUR lands anymore. It belongs to the Phoenix Empire. Also, see the sky."

She pointed Transports Cruisers in the Sky, with the symbol of the Phoenix Empire. She smirked back at him.

Asuka: "These are my subjects. My Firebenders who will make this world anew."

King of Jucesco: "No. Nooo!"

Asuka: "You will enjoy your stay in the Volcano Prison when we return to Yitài. Guards, bring them to their rightful place…"

The Firebenders takes away the family of the King to a barge.

Asuka: "One more planet brought under Compliance."

Huǒshān zhànshì Astartes: "What do we do my lady now?"

Asuka: "We'll return home…"


A few weeks later… In Yitài.

The Planet of the Phoenix Empire since the conquest of Zorai has been completely converted to the Fire Nation culture for two decades.

With the technology of the Imperium. The Phoenix Empire citizens population boomed and the new generation who has born inside of this planet began to mass immigrate on the captured planets and settle themselves on these planets but also inside Yitài to make suffocate the local population to prevent them to rebel themselves.

In Capital of Huǒzāi, now completely filled to the brim with huge sky graspers, decorated with the baroque fire-styled design of the Fire Nation. There is the Royal Palace, who has gained a few more buildings to welcome all of the hostages.

Inside of it, in one of the private rooms.

Asuka was facing her grandma Salem with a lifted her eyebrow. She was accompanied by Kariady, Edelgard, Lacus but also a blonde woman who sports a blonde hair, dressed in a big red robe in V cut barely covering her quite big chest.

(Edit: Take Yang Xiao Long and put her on this v cut robe and yes, Astari is the doppelgänger of Yang in this story since Nasturi is blonde).

Asuka: "Why I should accept you in my summer palace on the Ashen Island?"

Kariady: "We are your cousins. Also, there is our grandma!"

Salem: "I wanted to take vacations for my duty but with a bit of originality: bringing all my granddaughters in a girl-only vacation."

Asuka: "Are you crazy?! My father won't accept new guests! One has trashed the Royal Palace the last month in addition to disrespect our customs! Next, I cannot imagine what you can to my Summer Palace with your dirty hands!"

Salem sighed.

Salem: "Listen. If we trash something inside your palace. We will repay you and try undo our mistakes."

Asuka frowned with a lot of distrust to the group.

Asuka: "I don't trust you. Since, you have dirty habits in your worlds…"

Kariady: "Excuse me? I am also a princess. Good manners and posture are essential in Macragge."

Edelgard: "Same thing on Chemos. My mother was a princess of Trappist."

Lacus: "You worry too much. We have manners too."

Asuka: "Maybe you three, but especially not you!"

She glared to the blonde woman with the V cut robe.

Asuka: "Who is this nasty blonde woman? Why you bring her here?"

Woman: "Wait, you won't recognize me?"

Asuka: "Wait, do I know you?"

Astari: "It's me Astari! The daughter of Corvus Corax and Nasturi Corax!"

Asuka looks at Astari before blinking.

Asuka: "Oh… I see. You are still nasty."

Astari: "What? Why?"

Asuka: "Because this robe is ugly as hell! This green robe is so nasty and inappropriate in the palace! Maybe outside but definitely not here!"

Astari: "But I love this robe and I love showing off a little! Please!"

Asuka: "If you won't change in a much more appropriate cloth right now! I won't accept you in my summer palace! This includes all of you. You want to enter my property; you have to respect it."

Salem: "Have we really no other choice?"

Asuka glared to her grandma as a response.

Salem: "Okay. I understand. What is your proposition?"

Asuka: "First. On the Phoenix Empire, you have to wear proper attire. (She points her clothes to show the example) Two, you have to adopt the habits of the citizens (She makes the Fire Salute by bowing with her hand joined in her fist), like that for example. And three and most importantly: respect the owner because he has every right on you the moment you step inside his house. Okay?"

All the women looked each other before all nodding.

Asuka: "Good. Let me take you to the barge. The trip will go for a few hours and here. You will buy cloth for yourself with your own money since you are rich enough."

Salem rolled her eyes.

Salem: "Whatever… Also, there is two more guests and I have a bit lied about 'girls-only' ."

Asuka: "Let me guess… The two Eldar brats?"

Salem: "Don't name them 'brats', Asuka."

Asuka: "These two especially have to obey by the letter my rules. Do I make myself clear?"

Salem stared in annoyance to Asuka a moment and then…

Salem: "Of course. Don't worry."

Asuka: "Good…"


A few hours later… The group arrived to the summer palace of the Ashen Island belonging to Asuka. It was a big palace with a part on a hill while the other part goes to the beach. The barge posed on the palace on the small airport. The small group exited it and goes inside of the palace, closely followed by Ilil and Allarielle.

They are in the main courtyard of the palace, where is a small garden with a pond, where ducks are flapping their wings and cawing.

Asuka: "So, in your right. There are the rooms. On the left, the living room along with the kitchen. In front of you, the bathrooms."

Salem: "Okay… that's good."

Asuka: "Also. This palace has no servants. Since you are numerous to take care of yourselves…"

Kariady: "Wait, seriously? Why didn't you have servants here?"

Asuka: "Because this is supposed to be my most private property. Here, I can have fresh from everybody. This rule applicate to you. This palace is sacred place where commoners, beggars and even nobles have no right to enter. Only me… (eyed to the group) … and my family."

Salem: "If this is your taste. This is not problem about this. After all, I am pretty good at cooking things."

Edelgard: "Wait… Really, grandmother?"

Kariady: "This is not your thing normally, for someone in your stature…"

Salem: "If I want to do cooking and sewing. Nobody can't prevent me to do it. Because I love it. I have cooked for your uncle Horus when he was young and he was happy to see it."

Asuka: "Now, you will find in the bedrooms the clothes you need. And since I have a great sense of fashion. You just have to choose."

Salem: "Okay… Can you stay with us?"

Asuka: "Do you kidding me? I am the Fire Lady! My father is in the crusade!"

Salem: "Come on… Just a little bit. These vacations are unique and you won't see it for a long time after."

Asuka sighed and then smirked.

Asuka: "My role as a Fire Lady is just like vacations for me… This is really good for me. So, stop worrying like that. So, enjoy yourselves in family…"

She gives the key and turned back before going out from the palace.

Asuka: "Oh… Don't forget: Respect the rules I have implemented!"

She turned back and goes to the airport. She goes inside of the barge and then the barge leaves the palace, flying away from the Ashen Island.

Salem sighed.

Salem: "I wanted to include her. That's… unfortunate."

Kariady: "Okay. So, what do we do?"

Salem: "We are going to have a lot of fun together… But first, let's wear proper attire."

Astari: "Wearing a concealed and completely covered attire? No thanks. My dress is good enough."

Salem: "It seems you haven't visited the Phoenix Empire quite much."

Astari: "What do you mean?"

Salem: "Just see in the wardrobe. You know what? I will change myself first and showing you off the good taste of the Fire Nation culture. Just wait a little."

Salem goes on the right part of the palace and closed the sliding door.


A few minutes later…

The granddaughters were discussing each other, sited close to the pond. Allarielle and Ilil where with them.

Kariady: "You know Edelgard. You can try again by just trying to face your fears. You cannot continue like this."

Edelgard: "I know but my killer instincts are so powerful that I could actually hurt my father, mother or even Hulder… I almost hurt grandma and Ilil." She turns her gaze to Ilil.

Ilil: "That's nothing, Edelgard. I have already forgiven you."

Edelgard: "…"

Lacus: "Kariady is right. Edelgard, the methods of our grandma are quite helping. Meditating and being in harmony in your body. I haven't thought about it…"

Astari: "What? You want to train like a Monk?"

Lacus: "That could be interesting to better myself in concentration and calm."

Kariady: "Me too…"

Astari: "Okay. If you want."

Allarielle: "I don't need a meditation class. That's a loss of time."

Kariady rolled her eyes.

Kariady: "Yeah. Of course… Since you're an Eldar, you know better than us since you lived like a princess for centuries. And I am saying 'princess' in a pejorative term."

Lacus: "I would say that since you have still inexperienced for the psychic power. I would say: I am warping my mind."

Allarielle got a red face of irritation and grunts with frustration. While the other princesses except Edelgard are giggling from the joke. Allarielle only pout and crossed her arms.

Edelgard: "I remind you she saved my life by saving our grandma by corruption. So don't disrespect her."

Lacus: "Whatever…"

Astari: "When grandma come now? This is a few minutes now…"

Kariady: "Be patient…"

At this moment, the sliding door of the rooms opened. And Salem exited. Everyone were surprised to the new appearance of their grandma.

Salem is dressed with a red tank top separated midriff with a skirt reaching her knees. She has red sandals. She has now a red choker with a ruby one her neck. A small part of her blonde is assembled on top-knot where the rest of the hair is loose and falls on her back. She also wears in each arm a bronze wrist bracelet.

Salem by seeing the group staring at her take a false embarrassed expression.

Salem: "Oh please. Don't look at me like that."

Kariady: "That's… beautiful. Grandmother."

Salem: "If you love it then go to the rooms. There is plenty of clothes, also, we have to obey the rules of the owner."

Astari: "If she said that I am nasty. Then the Phoenix Empire is nastier than Delivrance."

Salem: "I think you are nasty only in palaces where you have to be presentable, especially in political meetings. Everywhere else, this is not the case."

Astari: "That's weird."

Salem: "You should visit more civilisation. Because I have saw many civilisations who are weirder than you think. Here, the Phoenix Empire is just authorising a bit more the appeal of the skin than average."

Edelgard: "Okay…"

Kariady: "Let's go."

Edelgard: "I am impatient to change clothes."

Astari: "Yes! Let's go!"

Lacus: "It would be good for us!"

Astari: "Also, someone else has to participate…"

She turned to Allarielle who was sited close to the ducks.

Allarielle: "Wha… What? Me?!"

Astari: "Exactly… Come with us!"

Allarielle: "No! I won't participate to your nonsense!"

Salem takes Allarielle by the hand and dragged her inside of the palace.

Salem: "You have to integrate yourself to our group. And I think this is a perfect occasion."

Allarielle: "NOOO!"

Salem turns to Ilil.

Salem: "I am sorry Ilil. We don't have any clothes for you. I promise you to buy one for you! A nice little Fire Nation cloth only for you."

Ilil: "Okay… thanks Miss Salem…"

Salem: "Your welcome."

She smiled to Ilil in a motherly way before turning her back and dragging Allarielle inside of the rooms while she was struggling. The sliding door is closed. Leaving Ilil alone, contemplating the smile that Salem has given to him.


A few minutes later…

Ilil was lying close to the pond and the ducks are close to him, continuously caw to him.

Then, the sliding doors opens and reveals the group. Ilil is surprised the new attire of the princesses.

Edelgard is dressed in an Ao Dai with a bun each side on her head, letting only a strand of hair each side of her head.

Astari is dressed in choli top that reveals her midriff and knee-length baggy pants covered with a split skirt. Her hair is attached in a long braid.

Lacus is dressed in the same attire than Salem, with a part of her hair attached in top-knot but also two long hair tails attached to a bronze hold falling to her chest.

Kariady on her side is dressed in a long tank top covered with a collar, long pants. All of her hair is attached a top-knot.

Ilil: "Wow… You are so beautiful!"

Lacus: "That's sweet from you."

Salem: "But someone is dressed even more beautiful than all of us…"

Ilil: "Who?"

The group reveals Allarielle who is now dressed in the same attire as Astari. She was blushing red.

Ilil: "Allarielle… You are the most beautiful…"

Allarielle: "What? Are… you really mean it?!"

Ilil nodded.

Ilil: "Yeah! Absolutely!"

Allarielle pouted and turned her from Ilil.

Allarielle (irritated voice): "Okay… In that case thank you!"

Salem: "We will have really nice vacation in family!"


Meanwhile…

Asuka was in the barge. Still travelling to return to the palace.

Asuka: "I still cannot believe I am doing that…"

Then her watch lights up with a call.

Huǒshān zhànshì Astartes: "My lady. An important visit arrived in the palace of the capital."

Asuka: "Surely an envoy of my father…"

Huǒshān zhànshì Astartes: "Not quite my lady. A more important visit than that."

Asuka: "Really, who is it?"

Huǒshān zhànshì Astartes: "The Emperor in person…"

Asuka stays silent, shocked.

Huǒshān zhànshì Astartes: "My lady?"

Asuka: "Okay… I will meet him. If he has come here, that would be really important."

Huǒshān zhànshì Astartes: "I will tell him about your return my lady."

The hologram lights off.

Asuka: "What he is going to do now?"


Hours later, in the evening…

Asuka returned to the Royal Palace of Huǒzāi and posed her barge. She could see four Custodes waiting for her.

Asuka: "I cannot get used to them at all…"

She opens the door of the barge and descended. One of the Custodes arrived to her.

Custodes: "The Emperor is waiting for you."

Asuka: "Of course…"

The Custodes brings Asuka to the throne room. Here, there is the Emperor facing her, still almighty and godly. Standing above everyone by his height. Asuka couldn't get used to the magnificent aura and perfect body and face of her grandfather. On his side was Constantin Valdor.

Asuka: "Ahem… What is the pleasure to meet you… grandfather?"

She bows to him.

Emperor: "Asuka. I have come here because I need you for something."

Asuka: "Yes, I know about that. What is this?"

Emperor: "You will come with me to end the Crusade of Jugur."

Asuka raised her eyebrow.

Asuka: "What do you mean?"

Emperor: "Your father is on this system for 7 years now and he has still brought to compliance the throne world named Jugurtha."

Asuka: "He is progressing little by little, to bring control to this system."

Emperor: "This is not enough."

Asuka: "Not enough?! Can you imagine the amount of time needed to perfectly control these nations?! Especially Jugur, who is very resistant to our rule!"

Emperor: "That's why I cannot accept Asuka."

Asuka: "What?!"

Emperor: "You shouldn't pass your interests before the Imperium of Man. You and your father serve a greater cause. Don't ruin it under the interest of your own personal gain."

Asuka was outraged by these words.

Asuka: "How you can say that when you are the Emperor of Mankind! My people have the duty to contribute to the Phoenix Empire! We repay by prosperity and order! Grandmother as at least partake this vision of governing!"

Emperor: "You misunderstand her. Prosperity and Order for keeping society organised yes. But let your creativity and freedom of thought to constantly keep the society healthy."

Asuka stays silent for a moment before laughing hard in the face of her grandfather. His reaction was his eyebrow lifting a little.

Asuka: "You don't seem to know how much grandma is on the side of father and me! Ahahahaha! I can't imagine you are so naïve!"

Emperor: "What do you mean?"

Asuka calms down.

Asuka: "She said to me will all the honesty in the world that: 'When you have the snake in your hand. You have to keep your grip on it's mouth all the time. If not, it will bite you and eat your hand, then your arm and you entirely.' That's she said to me!"

Constantin Valdor: "She could have lied to you."

Asuka: "Lied to me? I have saw in her tone and eyes, all the cold honesty that I have ever saw! Keeping control and order is the most vital thing of everything!"

Constantin Valdor was a bit surprised but frowns.

Emperor: "Are you sure about that?"

Asuka: "Absolutely! If you won't believe me. Ask her directly."

Emperor: "I will ask her when we will finish this Crusade."

Asuka smirks faded.

Asuka: "You cannot do that. This is the Crusade of my father and nobody else! And why you bring me in?"

Emperor: "You are a narcissist and self-absorbed princess. I still cannot believe that my son raised you like this."

Asuka: "At least my father is present! Not like you."

Emperor: "My time is taken by the Great Crusade. But when we will finish the Great Crusade, I will take my time to repair our bonds. Now go with me. No matter it please you or not."

Asuka: "Tch… Let me prepare to travel at least. Can you do that to me?"

Emperor: "… Of course."

Asuka: "Thank you…"

She goes to the hallway and goes to her room. When she closed behind. She strikes her fist with frustration to the wall, so hard that it forms cracks on the rock.

Asuka: "You are an intrusive, insufferable grandfather. I hate you so much!"

Asuka takes her robes from her cupboard and put them inside of a case. Also, she writes a message inside of her hologram watch before sending it to Salem.

Asuka: "I hope she will deal with this."


At the same time…

Salem is on the kitchen, cooking eggs, noodles, vegetables and Grox meat. She puts wine on it, igniting a flame on this meat before it quickly extinguishes. She tastes the sauce.

Salem: "Excellent… as always."

The princesses, Allarielle and Ilil are installed on the table. Waiting impatiently for their meal.

Edelgard: "How much time left?"

Salem: "Only a few minutes. Be patient."

Kariady: "You know we are hungry."

Salem: "Yes, you can eat meal prepared for ten. But since you have inherited part of the strong bodies of your fathers. I remind that even a small cupcake could satiate you. Just for this time in our vacations: you have to be sober in the way of eating."

Lacus: "But…"

Salem: "No 'buts'! You are with grandma. You will follow the rules of your grandma."

Astari: "Yeah, wait a little!"

Salem: "At least someone understands me here…"

The witch finishes to prepare the meals before putting them on the plate. She then distributes them to the princesses, Ilil and Allarielle.

Salem sits down on her chair. She receives a message on her watch. She opens it and see it comes from Asuka.

Asuka's message: "The Emperor has come here. He forced me to go with him to conclude more rapidly the crusade of Jugur. Supposedly because my father is too slow! This is so disgraceful! You have to confront him when he will come back."

Salem looked at the message and sigh.

Salem (whispers): "What he is doing? He better have an explanation when he will come back…"

She closes her hologram watch.

Edelgard: "Everything is alright?"

Salem: "Yes, just a simple message."

Kariady: "Hm… Okay."

Salem: "Now, let's eat together."

Kariady: "Okay! Bon Appetit!"


One week later… on the South-East of the Phoenix Empire.

Battle is raging on the planet of Jugurmagus. The Phoenix Empire army is fighting their guerrilla. The Firebenders where burning everything and everyone. They were recognizable by their red and black armaplas armour composed with a cuirass, tassets, a combination of shoulder pads and armoured collar and heavy boots. They are wearing a helmet with neck guard, a flame-like crest and an intimidating faceplate shaped like an abstract skull.

The non-Benders on their side are either piloting heavy vehicles, the Pheonix tanks (Note: Make a mix between a Fire Nation tank and a Leman Russ tank) or on foot. The non-Benders are lightly dressed constituted of a cone helmet with leather neck guard, a combination of shoulder pads and armoured collar and a leathern, sleeveless robe, and heavy boots. They were all wearing for the great part Flamers linking to a backpack canister, firing liquid promethium to all foes.

The capital city was under siege but was still resisting.

But Zorai was not in the frontline.

He was inside of an airship, a bit far from the battle. Inside of it, inside of a great room of discussing, with an holo-map and accompanied by the generals of the Huǒshān zhànshì Legion. The Astartes with their head discovered has adopted the top-knot of the Phoenix Empire. The Phoenix King, properly dressed in his attire were observing the lines of the holo-map.

Zorai: "So… We have cornered the first warlord of Jugur. By moving the 37th Division of Flamers to the north along with 12th Division of Firebenders. While the 3th Chapter will strike on the inner walls of the North to make a breakthrough."

Huǒshān zhànshì General 1: "We will be masters of the city in the next hours."

Zorai: "So, when the colonists will come from our planets?"

Huǒshān zhànshì General 2: "At this rate, all the colonists will settle all over the planet for the next month."

Zorai: "Hm… Good. We will plan the next move on this month. We stay one more month to secure the region. Then, we will move to the next planet. Jugurver, the last before Jugurtha."

Huǒshān zhànshì General 3: "Hm… I have learned from the 2th Chapter and the 38th Fleet that the two warlords are trying to assault us on the planet will their forces on the next three weeks."

Zorai: "It's that so?"

Huǒshān zhànshì General 3: "Yes, my lord."

Zorai: "Then, reorganise the defences of the planet. They will feel the fire of the Phoenix Empire on their vessels…"

A knock is suddenly heard from the entry door.

Zorai: "Enter."

The door open and a Firebender of the Royal Guard arrived to Zorai and extended a message to him.

Firebender: "An urgent message for you, my lord."

Zorai takes it and open it. Then, his face grew from mild annoyance to shock. Then, he recomposes himself.

Zorai: "We have to accelerate our conquest."

The generals looked at each other, confused.

Huǒshān zhànshì General 4: "What's happening my lord?"

Zorai: "The Emperor has taken my daughter and forced her to participate in this war!"

Huǒshān zhànshì General 3: "What?!"

Huǒshān zhànshì General 2: "Why?"

Zorai: "How dare he? How dare he to interfere in our conquest?! I won't let him pass!"

On the other side of the system, on the planet of Jugurto. A world belonging to one of the three Warlords of Jugur.

Asuka was here, with her own Huǒshān zhànshì astartes royal guard. She was accompanied by the Emperor and the Custodes Legion who monitoring her. They were besieging a city where the warlord of Jugurto is inside.

Here, the Emperor could see the method of the army of the Phoenix Empire, making a slow but unfathomable offensive. But it was long, too long.

Asuka: "So, we are going to do this: You place the tanks in front. The Firebenders are in the sides, the infantry has to be behind. Don't release the pressure and we can push back the enemy to the inner trenches."

Emperor: "This is your technique to wage war?"

Asuka: "Yes. It's the Firebender way. We progress step by step, little by little. What is the problem?"

Emperor: "I would rather operate in a Blitzkrieg method. You will concentrate our forces on the third point on the north. It's lightly defended, this is what the spies tell to me."

Asuka: "What?! No! I am not doing that! We will lose too much men!"

Emperor: "You don't have to let your adversaries seize the chance to make the counter-offensive."

Asuka: "No! I…"

Emperor (in a sterner tone): "Enough. I decided and this strategy will be applicated by me. The 1th Imperial Army goes in front by the South. At my signal, you will charge."

Asuka was speechless, his authority was overwhelming and forced her mind to accept.

Asuka: "I… Right…"

Emperor: "Good."

Asuka doesn't display it but she was raging internally.

A few minutes later…

Asuka is on the field now dressed in her combat armour, accompanied by the Firebenders soldiers and the Flamers.

Asuka: "So, we will make a breakthrough attempt. Enough waiting, we will all focus our forces on the third point of defence."

Firebender: "Are you sure my lady? We will lose men…"

Asuka turns to her implacable look to him.

Asuka: "Are you the one giving orders?"

Firebender: "Of course not my lady… forgive my words."

Asuka: "Good. But since in a quite bad mood. You will go to the front lines. Understand?"

Firebender: "Huh… okay."

Asuka turns to the Phoenix Empire colonels who are humans.

Asuka: "Transmit my orders. We don't have to lose time."

Colonels: "Yes my lady!"

They run to every direction, leaving Asuka with her guards and her own Huǒshān zhànshì Astartes generals.

Huǒshān zhànshì General 1: "I cannot imagine that the Emperor put us in this state of humiliation. He believes that we should fearing him more but I am fearing more the punishment from the Phoenix King than the reverse."

Huǒshān zhànshì General 2: "How dare he to do that?!"

Asuka: "Silence!"

All stops complaining.

Asuka: "Don't complain like cowards. We just have to wait that my father confront the Emperor and hopefully, the Witch of Terra herself. She is on the home planet of our Legion along with my cousins. Swallow your words and just wait. That's an order."

The generals looked at each other and then nodded to their princess.

Asuka: "Let's just have to wait…"

Then, the Blitzkrieg offensive began after long preparations. The Phoenix Empire army launched their offensive and hundreds of thousands of soldiers supported by thousands of Firebenders and hundreds of tanks charged to the enemy trenches.

The sudden charge surprised the enemies and the swarm of the Flamers takes over of the five layers of the trenches, making a perfect triangle of offensive.

But their offensive is quickly slowed down by the resistance of the capital city.

Asuka could see that the Flamers who risk to be destroyed by the resistant.

Asuka: "I cannot believe it…"

Huǒshān zhànshì General: "What do we do?"

Asuka: "Send the entire chapter to support them!"

Huǒshān zhànshì General: "What? Are you sure my lady?"

Asuka: "We cannot back down…"

Huǒshān zhànshì General: "Hm… Yes, my lady."

Asuka looked to the battlefield from afar. She observed the Huǒshān zhànshì chapter to the battle and then, with their charge makes the offensive quickly regain the vitality. Huǒshān zhànshì astartes either using their extremely potent Firebending or their Bolter and swords where burning, making holes or eviscerating everyone who comes to their way.

Asuka was disgusted to see the unnecessary sacrifice of these many soldiers.


In the next few hours…

The warlord is facing Asuka and the Emperor.

Warlord: "Please be clement to me. I will serve the Imperium and the Phoenix Empire by my dedication."

Asuka: "You will serve well in the Volcano Prison…"

Emperor: "No."

Asuka turned to the Emperor.

Asuka: "What did you say?"

Emperor: "He is honest. I refuse to let you do anything to him."

Asuka: "What? Because of your telepathic powers? It's that it?"

The Emperor only stared to Asuka.

Asuka: "Then read my mind and my frustration to not exercise my role as a Fire Lady. READ."

She glared to the Emperor daring him to do it.

The Emperor only stared at her.

Emperor: "You need to consider mercy. If you don't do it. It will bring you problems."

Asuka: "Hm… This is weakness. I will say it to you again: Ask Salem, she will agree with me! My own grandma agreed with all of us."

Emperor: "What kind of toxic thought she is said to you to act like this?"

Asuka: "Not a toxic thought. A strong thought."

Emperor: "Never the matter… (turn to the warlord) I choose to spare you, serve the Imperium and… (glances to Asuka). The Phoenix Empire."

Warlord: "Hm… of course."

Emperor: "Let's go to Jugurtha now."


But a few days later…

The Emperor and Asuka where now on Jugurtha but the capital city where already harbouring the Phoenix Empire on the highest ruins.

The duo descended to the planet on a barge on a main square of the capital city. Someone was waiting for them, along with several chapters of the Huǒshān zhànshì Astartes.

They exited it and arrived in front of the person in question.

Zorai in person, he was irritated. A cold irritation towards the Emperor and Asuka.

Asuka fearing the worst, kneeled to her father.

Asuka: "I am sorry father, I…"

Zorai: "Silence yourself Asuka."

Asuka blinked and looks back to him.

Asuka: "Father?"

Zorai: "Go now behind the legion now. This is a private matter between the Emperor and me."

Asuka: "Hm… Okay, father."

She stands up and goes behind of the Astartes generals.

Zorai turns his look to the Emperor.

Zorai: "Why did you do that? This was my Crusade."

Emperor: "The way, you treat this Crusade… I have some reserves."

Zorai: "What do you mean?"

Emperor: "Replacing the population by your own. It makes me wonder, are you trying to gain more power for yourself?"

Zorai: "This is my role as a Primarch and the Phoenix King. Don't question my ways."

Emperor: "Also, I don't appreciate the way you are fighting this Crusade. You take too much time when there is so much human planets to be saved."

Zorai: "It takes time to fully control a planet. I make sure that this is not rushed. But more planets is added, more rapidly the crusade will go. It's exponential. Just be patient but I don't want you to interfere in something you don't have touch."

Emperor: "I have touch. I lived more than you."

Zorai: "Maybe. But you don't live with the Firebenders. You don't bother to see the subjects who are brought to your knees. You say that I am a tyrant. But you are so much worse in the practical sense."

Emperor: "My duty is above expectation. I hope you will learn that. A last question, what Salem say to you and Asuka?"

Zorai: "What do you mean?"

Emperor: "Why she said that power is above everything else?"

Zorai: "She just agree with us. You don't seem to know much her personally…"

Emperor: "I will see that..."


A week later, on Yitài, especially on the Ashen Island.

Salem, still dressed in her Phoenix Empire outfit was facing the Emperor of Mankind. She was annoyed and irritated. She was alone with him in the beach outside the palace, the sun was down on the horizon and the night was near.

Salem: "I cannot believe you have interfering in this Crusade when our child is doing it very well…"

Emperor: "He has to know that his Crusade is wrong. Slow and only to serve his own interest above the interest of the Imperium. And you validate this?"

Salem: "I know that he has… tendentious reasons. But the way he keeps order and prosperity is good, good to the Phoenix Empire at least."

Emperor glared at Salem and Salem glared back.

Salem: "What?"

Emperor: "Why? Why are you so eager to have all power in your hands and only you?"

Salem: "Because we need it! The Imperium will cease to be if we hand too much power to others!"

Emperor: "No. Keeping power for yourself corrupt and make believe you are above everything."

Salem: "We are aware of that. We have seen enough horror around us. We don't fall to this trap. I won't fall to this trap and you neither."

Emperor: "I can see that you have learn the wrong side of Malcador's teaching."

Here Salem was shocked and she takes this criticism personally.

Salem: "What do you mean?"

Emperor: "Malcador only wanted to protect to knowledge to protect mankind."

Salem stays silent before laughing her ass off the Emperor.

Salem: "I cannot believe that you can be so naïve! I cannot believe it! Ahahahahaha!"

Emperor: "What is the thing that you find my words ridiculous?"

Salem calmed down and displayed a cold mood towards him.

Salem: "Keeping knowledge and power in your hands avoid you to be… betrayed. After all, we are all selfish. You consider me as 'too selfish'. But Malcador taught me to love Mankind. I will tell you this: the most precious thing to me is Mankind after our sons."

Emperor: "So do you believe that Mankind must obey you? At any moment?"

Salem: "Their recognition to us will be my consolation."

The Emperor frowned.

Emperor: "I don't want to make this comparison… But you are slowly approaching the state of mind of your own father."

Salem was outraged by this.

Salem: "Don't you EVER compare him to me! Do you hear me?! I am not like him! I am not cruel!"

Emperor: "You are not like him. But certainly, your thirst of control mixed with your coldness and cruelty against your enemies is something that I cannot ignore."

Salem: "I remind you that I scolded Leman Russ to be too stubborn, Konrad Curze is too harsh while Perturabo is entitled."

Emperor: "While you approved the violence of Angron, the defiance of Mortarion against all forms of psychic powers, the disobedience of Lorgar to the Imperial Truth and Magnus exploring too much the darkness of his magic."

Salem: "Tch… You are unwilling to know more about your own sons. Why are you so oblivious? If you continue to do it. Something will happen to you and you will be the first shocked."

Emperor: "What thing?"

Salem: "I don't know but I can feel that your decisions will lead us to disaster. I know very well about my inclinations, don't worry about it. But I am asking you to do the same with yourself."

Emperor: "I already what about to do. I am asking you to stop propagate your thoughts to our sons."

Salem: "What? For what reason? You deem that my thoughts are dangerous?"

Emperor: "Many of our sons could misinterpret them."

Salem: "And what? They are all different, of course they would do that. I began to really suspect you expect that our sons will follow you blindly. No. They won't. If you force them, they will try to free themselves from you. Don't be surprised if later on, they are more willing to listen to me and not giving you a single response to your calls."

Emperor: "I will try to strengthen our bonds when the Great Crusade will finish. But for now, there is many issues to deal with."

Salem: "This is why I have to do all the work of reuniting our family? To relieve you from the 'pain' of being a father? Ugh… You are the worst."

Emperor: "Salem, I am…"

Salem: "No! I won't hear you anymore! You suspecting that I am like my father just because I am implacable with the enemies of the Imperium when you are so much closer to him in terms of treating your relatives: with distance, no willingness to ask them if they are well and deaf to their call for help!"

Emperor: "I know that I am not giving the best image. But I swear that I repair the bonds."

Salem: "You better do that fast. And if you do something truly abhorrent to one of our sons… I won't respond to you until you show willingness to change. Good evening."


She turns her back and goes inside of the summer palace of Asuka. She finds inside the other princesses, along with Asuka (now dressed back to her Fire Lady outfit) and Zorai. They were discussing about the situation.

Edelgard: "Why he is doing this?"

Kariady: "Forcing himself in the Crusade like that… Normally, I would gladly accept the help but here…"

Astari: "I can't understand why."

Lacus: "Hm… I don't know I suppose to express myself on this subject."

Asuka: "This is so despicable from his part…"

Zorai turns to Salem who was approaching.

Zorai: "You are here now. So, what he said to you?"

Salem: "That I should 'correct my ways' of thinking. When there is nothing wrong to begin with! He assumes that I am too harsh with my way of governing and too laxist to my way of teaching life lessons."

All: "WHAT?!"

Zorai: "How dare he?! I will…!"

Salem: "Zorai, silence yourself! Also, all of you!"

Her voice full of authority surprised everyone and everyone decided to listen her.

Salem (calmer tone): "Listen. Even if we are disappointed about his manners to ask his family. He is still your grandfather for you girls while this is your father Zorai… even if Zoron surely better raising you. But to be fair, I am tired of him and his distance. He has to do his duty has the patriarch of our family. We know that I cannot be everywhere for you all at the same time…"

Asuka: "So what do we do now?"

Salem: "Hm… I honestly don't know."

Zorai: "Maybe, reinforcing our bonds will be essential."

Asuka: "Wait… are you sure father?"

Zorai: "Asuka, I order you to pass vacations with your cousins and your grandmother."

Asuka: "Hm… of course."

Zorai: "Good. (turn to Salem). I have to go now…"

Salem: "Hm…"

Zorai just leave the living room.

Salem turns to the hallways.

Salem: "Ilil! Allarielle!"

She waited and then, the two Eldar arrived to her. Ilil is now dressed is a Phoenix Empire outfit consisting of brown pants, a shirt, a black and red vest, and a red sash. He wears a top-knot holding his hair.

Ilil: "What is happening miss Salem?"

Salem: "Asuka will join us in our vacations."

Asuka rolled her eyes.

Asuka: "Whatever… (turn to the two Eldar) You have climbed in my esteem. You are respecting my rules, that's good. Maybe you two are not brats."

Salem: "Now, let's take some time together…"

Asuka: "Okay…"


And so, in the next week.

The vacations continue for the small family group. Taking time by playing some games, being on the beach but also, train. Mentally and physically.

On the courtyard of the summer palace. Asuka was doing her blue Firebending while Edelgard, Kariady and Salem replicates her movements. They are all wearing training clothes consisting of a red Gi with two orange boots.

Edelgard was using her fire branch of her aura, displayed by the white fires coming from her eyelids. While Kariady and Salem were using their Fire Magic. They are observed by Lacus, Astari, Allarielle and Ilil.

Then, they extended their hands to relax their fingers. Edelgard eyelids goes back to normal.

Asuka: "Not bad… for rookies."

Kariady: "We have already experienced fire with our magic. But, the Firebending way is really interesting. I feel lighter than usual!"

Edelgard: "Me too!"

Salem: "Hm… One more fight technic in my memory…"

Asuka: "So, now… You will do the lightning manipulation. You surely some knowledge with your magic from our grandma. Also, a bit from the Psykers inside of the Imperial Army. But, here, we do something different about it…"

She raised her left hand to with two fingers pointed to the sky.

Asuka: "Lightning is Firebending at his purest form. It's not fuelled by rage or emotion by any other firebenders. Some of my teachers said to me that it's 'The Cold-Blooded Fire'. It's precise and deadly. You perform the technique requires peace of the mind."

All nodded to the Fire Princess.

Asuka: "The energy is both Yin and Yang. Positive energy and negative energy. You have to separate these energies and so create an imbalance. The energy wants to restore its own balance. And in the next moment, the positive and the negative energy come crashing back together. You provide release and guidance, creating lightning."

She extent her hand to the others, signalling she will make a demonstration. The others step back, letting Asuka performs.

Asuka began to perform by making a circular movement with her right hand with two fingers, then do a second circular movement in the other side by the left hand while continuing the first movement of the right hand. Huge sparks of lightning appear on her fingers and then, she launched her fingers upward, launching a big lightning bolt to the sky. Impressing everyone.

Salem steps up.

Salem: "I am ready to try it."

Asuka: "Remember, when you separate the energy. You do not command it. You are his guide. Breath first."

Salem breath slowly and then began to make the movements at her turn, the lightning appears on her fingers.

But when she launched her fingers to the sky, the lightning explodes to her face, sending her away for a several meters.

Salem: "What the…? Why it does that?"

Asuka: "Grandma. You are not at peace with yourself."

Salem: "What do you mean? I am not a peace with myself?"

Asuka glared to Salem.

Asuka: "You know that something is wrong with you. You know it and you refuse to face it."

Salem sigh.

Salem: "I know… I have just not enough time to deal with my issues…"

Asuka: "Hm…"

Kariady: "I will try next."

Kariady position herself, makes the movements of lightning and in front of everyone, managed to send to the sky.

Asuka: "At least, one of us is at peace with herself."

Kariady: "Huh… thanks."

Asuka: "So, next."

Edelgard position herself and began to do the lightning moves but, it explodes to her face and she is sent her a few meters away.

Edelgard: "I can't believe it…"

Asuka: "Still not recovered from your trauma. It's that it?"

Edelgard only looked away in shame.

Allarielle: "You are so weak…"

The group turned to Allarielle.

Asuka: "Hm… You think you are better Allarielle? Don't make me laugh."

Allarielle jumps from her place and walks to an appropriate spot. She makes her circular movements before sending a huge lightning bolt to the sky. Shocking everyone.

Asuka: "How… could you?"

Allarielle smirked smugly.

Allarielle: "I am an Eldar. Psychic technics have not secret for me. Especially performed by Mon-Keigh."

She turns her back and sit back to her place.

Asuka: "I take back what I said. What a brat."

Salem: "Asuka…"

Asuka: "Don't defend her, she insulted us."

Salem: "…"

The old witch turn to Edelgard.

Salem: "Edelgard."

Edelgard: "Uh… Yes?"

Salem: "I have a new method to help you with the Survival State."

The princess of Chemos widened.

Edelgard: "Really?"

The old witch nodded.

Salem: "A new, risky method. But I think this is a good alternative to meditation."

Edelgard: "What is this?"

Salem: "You have to come outside the palace first…"

Edelgard: "Okay…"

Salem turns to the group.

Salem: "We have to be alone."

The princesses lifted their eyebrows but, in the end, nodded.

Salem: "Good. (turn to Edelgard). Let's go."

At the exterior of the palace, on the beach.

Salem: "Now, you are wondering what is my idea."

Edelgard: "Yeah…"

Salem: "So, to deal with your transformation. You have to not force your power out or try to communicate with your urges. I have a different solution: Try to recreate the events who leads to enter in the Survival State against this Ork in his Knight."

Edelgard: "Are you sure?"

Salem: "We hadn't tried yet."

The silence falls on the beach for a moment. The two are unsure what to do next.

Edelgard: "Hm… I will."

Salem: "Good. Now, close your eyes, forget about the world around and then: recreate the situation you have suffered."

Edelgard stared to Salem before closing her eyes and stand like an I.

Then, her breath becomes louder and more rapid. She tenses up and her face contorted in a mix of fear, frustration and rage. Under the serious eyes of Salem.

Salem: "Yes, that's it. Let it come. Don't resist it."

Then, winds began to flow around Edelgard. Forming a circle of wind more and more visible while she is grunting and growling louder with more anger and desperation.

Salem: "Feel the pain, the danger and your state of despair! Let it come to you! Feel it! Make sense of your negativity! Explore it!"

Edelgard becomes more and more enraged, grunting loudly. Her head twitches as the flames began surrounding her eyelids once again. A clearly visible circle of wind is present around her body while her flames around her eyelids are growing.

Edelgard grunted louder and louder and a circle of flames, with a circle of ice and finally of dirt formed around the Chemosian Princess who was about to explode in anger.

Salem: "Keep going! Keep going!"

And so, by this encouraging voice. Edelgard exploded.

Edelgard: "AAAAAAAAGHHHHHHH!"

A huge blast of wind, send Salem while a huge column of magic goes to the sky. Salem quickly recomposes herself and stand up before running close to her granddaughter.

Salem was surprised to see her granddaughter, covered in a big purple aura. While purple flames are escaping her eyes, forming blinding streams of light forming some kind of wings. The elements circles are different now. The air was fast and sharp, the fire was now blue coloured and far hotter, the ice was spiky and extremely cold, finally the dirt was now rock an extremely resistant kind of rock.

Salem: "Edelgard! Edelgard! Try to control yourself now!"

Edelgard responded only grunting and straining her fists. Salem could see that little by little, the streams of light are shrinking, only surrounding her eyelids, while a clear purple iris form inside her eyes. Salem could feel that the magic inside of the soul of her granddaughter was becoming less anarchic, more tamed.

Salem: "That's good! Really good!"

Edelgard's body was twitching while her eyes where the purple lights flashing, making disappear and reappear the irises in anarchic ways.

Salem: "Edelgard! Don't force yourself! Try and focus your energy!"

The princess only strained with extremely gritted teeth to try to hold her power back. But then, Edelgard falls to her knees and her transformation vanishes in matter of seconds. Salem rushed to her and grab her shoulder.

Salem: "Are you okay?"

Edelgard breathed heavily in the arms of Salem, eyes so widened and her iris so small by the shock that they are almost unwatchable.

Salem: "Shhhh… Calm down, girl. Calm down. I am here now."

Salem hugged Edelgard and little by little, Edelgard calmed down. Her respiration returning to normal while her purple eyes return to normal. Salem then stared to her eyes.

Salem: "How it's feels now? Edelgard, you have managed to tame just a little bit your Survival State. That's a really good beginning…"

Edelgard: "I… I…"

Salem: "Yes? Calm down and say it…"

Edelgard: "I… I can't believe it. I have done it… I controlled a little… but I almost lose my reason… again."

Salem: "Yes, but you controlled yourself. You succeeded to calm down and focuses a little. Step by step, you'll manage to control it."

Edelgard looked at Salem before beginning to shed tears and sobbing. Salem only hugged her and the princess sobbed on her grandma, relieved of her terror.

The group of princesses arrived on the scene.

Kariady: "What the hell happened? What…"

Kariady stopped herself while the others are only staring. Understanding they do not have to ruin this moment.


After a few dozens of minutes…

Edelgard is with the group inside of the palace.

Asuka: "So you are closer to control yourself."

Edelgard: "Yeah. I am sure now."

Asuka only grunted.

Edelgard: "What?"

Asuka (false smile): "I am happy for you."

Edelgard: "Why are you like that?"

Salem: "You are jealous right?"

Asuka: "Huh? Jealous? Why I could be jealous?"

Salem: "You are jealous because she controls elements, right? When you are doing just Firebending."

Asuka: "I don't need other elements. Fire is superior."

Salem: "Okay, if you want. But if you want to control the other disciplines of the warp powers. You can ask me to train you. I can understand if you want more power."

Asuka: "…"

Salem only nodded at her to insure her honesty.

Edelgard: "I would say that these vacations are one of the greatest that I passed. That's a bit sad that we have to leave in the next week."

Kariady: "Don't think about it. We have plenty of time to have fun."

Astari: "Yeah!"

Lacus: "And I have learned so much from this planet."

Ilil: "Yeah… it was quite peaceful to me. And you, Allarielle."

Allarielle rolled her eyes.

Allarielle: "Whatever…"

Salem turns to Asuka.

Salem: "Thank Asuka to welcome us in your palace. I won't thank you enough."

Kariady: "Absolutely."

Edelgard: "I agree!"

Lacus: "Yes!"

Allarielle nodded while Ilil smiled toward Asuka.

The Fire Lady seeing all the acknowledgement and the praise from her cousins make her enjoy this moment. For the first time, she smiled but unlike the smirks and other smug smiles, it was a genuine, happy and honest smile.


Next episode… The Altyes Campaign.

In this campaign. Lion El'Jonson make a disputable decision that makes one of his captains disobeying him.


Next episode… The battle of Gyros-Thravian.

Jaghatai Khan, accompanied by the Luna Wolves legion goes to a war against the Ork Stellar Empire of Gharluk. But the battle is so difficult to lead that the Emperor and Salem arrived to help them.