Chapter 56
Blazblade- Yes
Colossus Bridger-
Not sure on Skaven, but we'll probably see them. Other Order factions I'm a little skeptical on, but we'll see.
We'll see what path he takes when we, hopefully, get there.
Mozar
"Prepare the final assault!" Yelled Mozar as he prepared his Warhost for war. "Ready the war beasts! Ready the cannons! Ready yourselves for bloodshed! Today the Snake Gate will fall in the name of Tzeentch!" His Warhost let out roars of approval before marching on the Snake Gate, supported by their war machines.
This Warhost was larger and better equipped than the previous groups that attacked the Snake Gate. Where the previous ones were only comprised of Marauders of Chaos, some siege equipment, and a handful of Warbeasts, mainly Chaos Trolls and some Mammoths, this one had proper Chaos Warriors in their ranks, gathered around each other, refusing to fight close to lowly Marauders and instead choosing to fight with others of their kind. They also had access to several cannons, taken from Cathay through raids or through traitors in the ranks of the Cathayan, and a dozen War Mammoths, all heavily armored and armed. Combined with hundreds of Marauders who were either pushing their siege towers towards the Snake Gate's walls or marching with the Chaos Warriors to battle, it was a force larger and more powerful than the previous ones.
In the meantime, Kairos was laughing to himself as he watched the Warband of Mozar march to war, the Chaos Lord himself mounted on a disc of Tzeentch. The Daemon's own Warband was around the camp of their allies, waiting for something. While Kairos ordered a handful of Doom Knights, and Daemons to reinforce Mozar, the rest were holding back. Kairos had told Mozar that it was a test of Tzeentch to prove the worthiness of his latest gift as well as to prove his worth to Tzeentch if he can defeat the Storm Dragon with minimal help from Tzeentch's oracle. The Chaos Lord seemed to buy it and thus went ahead, not knowing that he was a pawn in one of Tzeentch's many plots.
"The All-seeing has marched onward to claim his destiny." Said Kairos' left head.
"He is marching to claim vengeance on the Dragon-Blooded for their arrogance and claims of superiority. To prove that they are not as superior to mortal as they deem themselves." Said Kairos' right head. "Now is the time to conduct the ritual, brother."
"Indeed." Said Kairos' left head. "Prepare the sacrifices! Do not delay! This will need precise timing for this to work in our favor!" Upon hearing that, several Chaos warriors began marching near the Greater Daemon, either carrying a barrel of blood or grabbing the dead bodies around him, a result of those too weak enough to endure Tzeentch's gift. They soon marched towards a patch of dirt that was close to the camp and they began piling the bodies in one spot while also creating a symbol around the bodies with the blood. The symbol of one of the Chaos Gods, but it wasn't Tzeentch. It was one of the other ones. The one that Kairos intended to summon servants of to ensure victory this day. Eyes glowing blue as a result of the crystals he consumed, Kairos was eager to see his plan unfold. For good or ill.
Meanwhile
Miao Ying
"My lady! More Chaos forces approach!" Yelled a Jade Warrior as he saw another Warhost approach the walls. Scowling upon hearing this, Miao Ying finished off the group of Marauders that were disembarking a recently-landed siege tower before using her magic to destroy it. Seeing that no Chaos Marauders were in her immediate vicinity nor did none of the defenders need her help, Miao Ying looked to see the approaching Chaos forces.
She saw that it was a sizable force, surpassing the last wave of attackers, both in Warbeasts, Warmachines, and foot soldiers by a sizable margin. To make matters worse, they had Chaos Warriors and Doom Knights amongst their ranks along with Daemons as well. Seeing such a large force, more powerful than the rest, Miao Ying felt a sense of doubt come to her that she quickly squashed aside. Now was not the time to have doubt. Her men needed her now more than ever and she refused to leave them wanting. Thus, she transformed into her true form after jumping from the walls. Roaring out, she telepathically ordered her men to ready themselves for another assault while magically empowering them so they can quickly finish off the remaining attackers on the walls while also recovering from any injuries they suffered from the last attack. She then watched as an artillery barrage from their Fire Rain Rockets artillery was launched upon the approaching Chaos force.
The Fire Rain Rockets was one of Cathay's most deadly of weapons. Similar in design to the Empire of Man's Helstorm Rocket Battery, the Fire Rain Rockets artillery sends out a barrage of rockets that devastates a large area along with anyone unlucky enough to be hit by any of those rockets. The only positive thing for the opponent about this weapon was that it was inaccurate and took some time to reload after each volley, but with the number of rockets it fires at an area, inaccuracy is a moot point for the devastating weapon. However, to the misfortunate of the Cathay forces, their Fire Rain Rockets had just run out of ammo. That last barrage had used up all their rockets. A small silver lining to that was that the last barrage wasn't done in vain as dozens of Marauders were slain from the shrapnel or being near the explosion radius of one of the rockets. The Chaos Warriors, however, were fine and were marching with a discipline that one would not expect from barbarians like most Chaos Warriors. Seeing that the Chaos forces were still marching toward them, Miao Ying decided to try and do more damage to them before they can reach their walls.
Their long-range artillery was out of ammunition, their defense towers were destroyed, and their remaining guns and crossbows would not be able to thin their numbers enough to the point that the Chaos Forces won't overwhelm them through sheer numbers alone. Even Miao Ying couldn't defeat the entire Chaos army by herself, especially with Kairos Fateweaver around, who for some reason was around the enemy camp with a large army.
Upon seeing this, Miao Ying wondered what Kairos was planning. She knew that the Daemons of Tzeentch favored complex tactics and plans to achieve victory, but surely they see that attacking now with everything they had would secure their victory. Yes? They must have another thing in mind. Something horrible and dangerous to Cathay if they succeed in it.
Unfortunately, Miao Ying had no time to figure out what it was. The next Chaos wave was approaching, and she had to deal with it now, or else her men will be overrun. Thus, she flew towards them, ready to cast some devastating magic on them. Though she used a great deal of magic before, especially transforming back into her dragon form, she still can fight and cast spells.
Flying toward the Chaos Forces, Miao Ying let loose several destructive spells upon the Chaos Forces. As her magic tore up the on-foot Marauders, the Doom Knights and Chaos Furies flew past her to engage the Cathay defenders on the walls. A few were swept aside or ripped apart by the Storm Dragon as they passed her. Realizing the danger that they posses to her soldiers, Miao Ying reaped a bloody toll on the Chaos Furies as they passed her, but most of the Doom Knights wisely kept their distance from the Storm Dragon, knowing that their purpose was not to kill the Storm Dragon. Their purpose lay elsewhere.
As Miao Ying grabbed a Doom Knight with her mouth, crushing him with her teeth, armor included, she suddenly felt a massive pain on her left side. The pain was enough for her to roar out in pain, dropping the dead Chaos Warrior.
The pain was unlike anything that she had ever endured in her entire life. She had been wounded, yes, but never to the extent of what she was experiencing right now. Still, she will not allow this to beat her and thus she endured and looked around for the source. Eventually, she found it in the form of a Chaos Lord of Tzeentch on top of a Disc of Tzeentch, staring at her dragon form with hatred and anger. Sensing the power of the Chaos Lord, Miao Ying can see that he was the leader of this wave of Chaos followers, his power surpassing his followers by a large margin.
"You are the leader of this Warband, are you not?" Asked Miao Ying telepathically as she stared down at the Chaos Lord while the Chaos Lord glared at her.
"Yes, and I will have my vengeance on you and your family." Said the Chaos Lord before charging at Miao Ying while his Warhost charged to face the remaining defenders of the Snake Gate. Miao Ying sensed this and cast a spell to eradicate more Chaos Warriors and Marauders before engaging the Chaos Lord, knowing that if she killed him, this Warband will turn on each other for various reasons. Roaring out, Miao Ying was about to rend the Chaos Lord with her claws when he brought out a magic scroll.
Magic scrolls were a way for wizards or any type of magic user to use any type of magic, even the ones that they have no knowledge of. All one needs to do is break the magic seal preventing the magic within from spilling out and read the incantation, thereby casting the spell contained within. This usually results in the destruction of the scroll, a sad thing as magic scrolls are quite rare as only experienced and those with great knowledge can create them, but it's often worth it as scrolls are a safe way for one to use magic without exhausting themselves or risking a mishap as a result of toying with the Winds of Magic, something that can always go bad for the wizard and sometimes those around him.
In this instance, it was well worth it to Mozar as the spell he used was a unique spell that he prayed and sacrificed to Tzeentch to make into reality. Hundreds of souls, both those from the various Norscan people and some Cathayans, were sacrificed to make the spell, but it was worth it as Mozar was gifted with a single scroll that contained what he just used on Miao Ying.
Upon utilizing the incantation, the scroll let loose a bolt of blue energy that hit Miao Ying, the bolt too fast for her to dodge it. Letting out a roar of pain, Miao Ying was then forced to the ground as the location where the bolt impacted her flesh soon summoned blue chains that latched on the ground and forced her to crash land on the ground, sending dirt and bodies everywhere. That was not all, however, as a flash of blue lightning then descended upon her and she reverted to her human form laying on the ground, bruised and tears all across her battle attire.
As Miao Ying struggled to get up, she glared defiantly at Mozar as he floated above her a few feet away.
"What have you done, vile sorcerer!" Spat out Miao Ying as she glared at Mozar as several Chaos Warriors of Tzeentch surrounded her. These Warriors were Mozar's personnel bodyguards. Numbering nine in total, these warriors were all armed with halberds, all eager to utilize them on the Storm Dragon. "How have you forced me to revert into my human form!?" Try as she might, Miao Ying couldn't transform back into her dragon form. Something was blocking her ability to transform. In her mind, she can hear the laughter of a God. The laughter of Tzeentch as he watched what unfolded between her and one of his many servants.
"The Great Deceiver can make anything a reality." Said Mozar as he glared at Miao Ying, satisfied with her state. Injured from the battle and chains at her legs and arms, preventing her from moving much. "You dragons may be older than the Gods of Man, Dwarves, and even Elves, but you are not older than the Chaos Gods, whose power is beyond our imagining. Especially the Deceiver. He has answered my prayers for a way to defeat you and he has made something that should not be possible a reality. He has forced you to change into your human form and prevent you from transforming back into your true form. For how long, I know not. It could be permanent? It could be temporary? Could it be cured or not? I know not. The Deceiver works in mysterious ways." As Mozar was saying all this, Miao Ying looked back to see the Chaos Warband was soon at the gates and her soldiers were fighting for their lives. Despite the magical augmentations of the Storm Dragon still, up, they were still struggling to fend off the Doom Knights, who were constantly harassing and killing the defenders. While the Furies were serving as a distraction, the Doom Knights were either hitting the Cathayans from the rear or ramming themselves at them, sending them falling to their deaths off the walls, utilizing their halberds and shields to do so. If she didn't help them soon, the Snake Gate will fall and all of Cathay will suffer for it.
Trying to free herself with all her remaining might, Miao Ying couldn't break the magical bonds that bound her to the ground. She could only watch as the Chaos Warriors around her got closer and Mozar pulled out a curved sword. One that Miao Ying recognized. It was the sword of a Lord Magistrate, the governors, and generals of Cathay's cities and armies.
Once it was a thing of beauty that fought and slain countless foes of Cathay. Handled meticulously and with great care, the blade was like any other blade made for a Lord Magistrate. A symbol of not only the station of a Lord Magistrate but also the beauty of Cathay and why the armies of Cathay fight against their enemies. To prevent such beauty and craftsmanship, along with other things, from being removed from the world by either the Orcs, Ogres, or, worse, the Forces of Chaos. To give one's life to prevent the younger generations from having to do what the owner has to do in order to make sure they don't suffer a cruel fate at the hands of Cathay's enemies.
Now, however, the blade was tainted by the corrupting energies of Chaos. Twisted and malformed to suit its new user, the blade gleamed faintly blue as Mozar went down from his mount and walked towards Miao Ying, who starred at the Chaos Lord, furious at him wielding a Cathay blade.
"How did you come across that blade?" Demanded Miao Ying, even as the Chaos Warriors got close enough that escape wasn't possible. As they got closer, Miao Ying felt a power that she never encountered before in her life coming from all nine. A power that would have intrigued her if it wasn't coming from Chaos filth.
"It was given to me." Said Mozar, stunning Miao Ying a bit at that piece of information before narrowing her eyes in disgust and hate. If it was given to him, then that meant that he was a traitor to Cathay. Mozar must have realized that she deduced this because he explained himself further. "Yes, I was a Lord Magistrate of Cathay before. Back then, I was known as Bao Chen. I used to work for the Eastern Provinces with grace and dignity. I thought that our Empire, like all Cathayans, was the pinnacle of life. That we were the future of Man. That the Dragon Emperor and his family will lead us to an era of prosperity and harmony." Mozar then glared down at Miao Ying with hate and anger. "But then my eyes were open to the decadence and corruption that is found in our empire. Lord Magistrates turn a blind eye to injustice occurring to the common folk or abusing their positions. Letting greed influence their decisions and hurting those that can't do anything about it. They spent their wealth and power on those that held their favor or themselves rather than the poor or the common folk, making them suffer. The Dragon-blooded become arrogant and prideful because of their blood connection with the Dragons. Seeing themselves as above the common people as well. And worse, the Dragon children fight amongst themselves, not through weapons, but through words and inaction. Refusing to aid each other in times of need, causing the common people to suffer and die because of their pride and arrogance."
"So you join the Forces of Chaos instead?" Spat out Miao Ying in disgust as she looked at Mozar all the while gathering power to break out of her bonds. "You think the Chaos Gods can better serve the people of Cathay over your Emperor and Empress?"
"Chaos has shown me the truth." Said Mozar as he recalled the day that he turned to Chaos. How he tried to care for his city when he became Lord Magistrate and failed by the greed of his advisors and those of his fellow Lord Magistrates. How his efforts were brought low by corruption and the uncaring nature of the Dragon-blooded towards commoners and the poor. How Tzeentch liberated him from the lies and decadence of Cathay by showing the true nature of the world. "It liberated me from the lies and deceit of the Dragon Emperor and his children. Showed me the true purpose of Man and what we're meant to be. And Tzeentch took it further and showed me the true nature of the world. Unlike the rulers of Cathay, the Chaos Gods are honest at all times, even Tzeentch lies less than the rulers of Cathay. They care little about one's stature or one's wealth. They only care about how we can be useful to them. That is all."
"So you rather be a pawn to them than serve your people. All because they spoke some honeyed words to you." Stated Miao Ying in disgust. To think they allowed such a deluded fool to become a Lord Magistrate in the first place.
"Better to be a pawn of the Chaos Gods than be a pawn for the political games of the Dragon Children." Said Mozar finally before growing tired of speaking with Miao Ying. It was clear that she cared little about what he thought and would eradicate him the moment she was free. A part of him was annoyed at this, but the greater part knew this was the expected outcome. The Dragon Children were just so arrogant and dead set on their ways being the right way that they refuse to see better alternatives. At least, that was what he was saying to himself. Having enough, Mozar readied his blade and prepared to cut Miao Ying's head off.
"Your life comes to an end here, Dragon." Said Mozar as he prepared to strike. Though its likely that a single strike wouldn't kill Miao Ying, likely requiring multiple strikes, even with his tainted and corrupted blade, he was fine with that. It would make killing her all the more satisfying as he cut her head off bit by bit. "Know that you will be given a small mercy today as you will not see the fall of Cathay and its lands be used by a greater power more freely than your family can ever do." Upon hearing that, Miao Ying had enough of this fool and thus exploded in a burst of lightning that sent the Chaos Warriors around her flying. Having shored up her remaining strength the moment Mozar started talking, Miao Ying let loose all the energy she gathered around her, sending the Chaos Warriors flying a few feet away from her, despite their bulk. Only Mozar saw what she was doing and backed away from the brunt of the attack, his blessing from Tzeentch protecting him from harm.
With a cold stare, Miao Ying broke free from her bonds and glared at Mozar, who glared back.
"You are a deluded fool." Said Miao Ying as she healed herself with the Winds of Ghyran to heal herself as well as restore her vigor. "Chaos is the epitome of corruption and disharmony. They corrupt good men and women. Turning them into monsters for their own entertainment or to fight for them against their brothers. They don't want harmony for that is the antithesis of their nature. They don't care for the common people as much as you think. They only care about them in how much they can offer them. They'll use them for all that their worth and then discard them the moment that they become worthless to them. Or even fail them once. The Chaos Gods are not forgiving masters."
"At least they give their followers a chance to pursue their goals." Said Mozar as he glared at the floating Miao Ying as she glared down at him. "Unlike the leaders of Cathay. I will rather be a follower of the Chaos Gods and be discarded later than a slave to your family. At least then I can serve a purpose."
"For your disloyalty to Cathay, I condemn you to death." Said Miao Ying, seeing no point in talking further. She was as healed as she possibly could and Mozar's Chaos Warriors were getting up and ready to fight her. All of them burning bright with power. A power that Miao Ying had never felt before, thus urging her to be cautious. Mozar was also burning with this power and she knew she had to be careful around him. One does not become a Chaos Lord by being weak. Even the weakest of Lords had the power to kill someone as powerful as herself. And with her weakened state, such a task would not be too difficult for them if she wasn't too careful. Lightning gathering in her palms, Miao Ying prepared to fight again as the Mozar ordered his men to attack, causing them to charge at her, halberds in hand. With practiced gestures, Miao Ying prepared to fight against the scourge of the world.
In the meantime, Kairos had just finished a ritual with the blood and bodies that caused the blood to crawl towards the bodies and melt them into nothing but bones. Bones that were blood red. And not just any bones. Skulls. Blood red skulls gleamed with bright red from the eye sockets of the skulls. Numbering two dozen in total, Doom Knights began picking the skulls and placing them in the remaining barrels of blood they had with them. Once they did so and each remaining barrel contained eight skulls, Kairos spoke.
"The time has come to bring forth the seeds of disorder upon Cathay." Said Kairos right head while the other laughed.
"The time has come to return the gauze of his father upon the Exiled One." Said the left head after finishing his bout of laughter. With those declarations, Kairos ordered a group of Doom Knights to carry the barrels of skulls and blood to the Snake Gate while the defenders were busy with Mozar's Warband. As these orders were being fulfilled, Kairos heard the sounds of Cathayan war horns and thus realized that more Cathayans were arriving. Just as they predicted. And a great boon to them. After all, their… "allies" are not exactly caring who dies while they're in battle. Only if the spilled blood of combatants continues to flow all across the world to appease their god. That and the certain bone formation that protects a certain organ that these allies sometimes lack or shut down when they fight. Hence why Kairos had the bulk of his forces back from the fighting. After all, why have his forces die for the glory of another Chaos God when the Cathayans and another pawn of Tzeentch can do it for them? Even more so with who Kairos intends to bring forth into this battle.