Chapter 4: The number of Blood
(Three weeks ago)
It had been given one task, it's mind was simple yet the tone it's trainer had given was one that struck it deep.
Bring hope
It's domain was the sky, an apex predator among it's lesser's, yet even it knew that only the smell of death was all that it smelt as it sailed upon the clouds. It had seen in passing the fires of the city, even as it soared ever higher, ever farther.
Days passed, and yet nothing remained of these lands. In it's previous memories it could recall all manner of interesting sights as it made it's way across the air, as it felt the wind curtail it higher from the moments it's trainer had given it to train and hone it's craft.
Now it only smelt ash and blood upon the wind, the skies itself were a crimson darkness as it's wings were even smeared in it's vile presence.
It wondered how anything can survive such an apocalypse, something so abhorrent that it's mind could not comprehend the reality of it all.
It scavenged anything it could, yet it could feel when danger was just beyond the horizon. The sounds of rumbling metal and crushing steps echoed around it's hunting area, yet none had seen it. It weaved it's chakra, finding comfort in it as instinct guided it's actions. It knew not to stay long upon the ground, for only death would greet it for such complacency.
Upon the wind it soared again, hearing the howls of something from the distance, it felt a deep fear. It knew it was being tracked.
Days passed by, it could feel it's hunter coming closer to it, yet it stayed moving, never taking too long to pause for even simple luxuries it was afforded in times past, it needed to find hope.
The next city, greater than it's home was within the distance. Yet something was wrong. It tried to sense life with it's chakra but found nothing in return, this was something alien to it, yet it's vision would fill the rest.
A mountain of white, unclear to see but hazes of crimson stained it's shell, but it knew the smell that settled itself upon the breeze, one it was too familiar with. The smell of rotting blood, of rotting flesh.
Only death was felt from it. Even the very ground cried in pain as the smell was an utmost revolting stench.
It had many questions, yet did not try to sate it's curious nature. It knew better than to invite death upon it.
And yet the blood-lust of it's hunters continued to pursuit it.
Days passed, it started to feel a fatigue upon it's flesh. Food could only sustain it soo long, chakra being the only thing it could depend upon at this time, the darkness of sleep inviting it.
It needed to rest, less death embrace too early.
It still needed to find hope.
It took shelter upon a mighty tree, one of few still standing within these forest. The smell of ash and smoke was pungent across many parts, mixing together with the blood and rot to make a most unpleasant smell. Yet it closed it's eyes to rest for a moment.
It felt danger rear itself upon its mind.
The tree groaned as the sounds of growls and barks echoed upon the floor, it looked within the darkness and saw it's hunters.
Red skin, scales like blood, there were three of the beast like things looking upon it, their fangs dripped with blood as their eyes held nothing but pure hatred for it's existence. It knew escape was no longer an option.
It used the skies, it's domain to fight the beast, with chakra flowing it body was infused with the strength to shatter mountains. It lined it's talons upon the back of one of the beast, sharpening it along it's talon edges to strike.
A direct hit.
The beast felt chakra flood it's system, it's howls of pain being drowned out by the hatred of the others, yet it did not give up it's advantage. Speed and altitude will give it the edge in this fight, yet it knew that such a battle was not looking favorable.
It tried to sweep into the enemy again, yet the beast was smarter. It dodged out of the way, it's jaws clipping part of it's wing, yet even through the pain it knew it could still fly. It looked to the side to see a tear mark, as blood started to flow from the wound.
It used chakra to seal the hole, but it was a temporary solution. A more permanent means had to wait.
It infused the wind into it's wings, sweeping into another of the beast, this time it hit it's mark. The beast layed still, as it's torso was split by the chakra, yet it exploded into ash and something else, yet it did not question this. Merely still focused on it's other targets.
It did not know how long such a fight lasted, yet it could feel the pain within it's wing, it's chakra had started to falter as drops of blood came from the wound, yet even as it felt itself start to drift away, it was focused upon the task of surviving.
It had to survive, it was to bring hope.
Another had fallen as it's repeated stabbing by it's chakra powered talons ripped into it's flesh and sinew, making the beast collapse as it dissipated into ash. Now it was only it and the one before it. Yet this one was larger, an alpha of it's pack.
It had learned from the other two's mistakes.
The fighting was intense, with it suffering a jaw bite to it's wing, blood poured from the wound as it gave a satisfied growl, thinking victory was within it's grasp.
It was going to use that arrogance to be it's downfall.
The beast rushed upon it, it's jaw opening to consume it. Yet with a burst of chakra it became the very wind itself, rushing through it's open jaw and sharpening it's burst to a razor's edge.
The beast stumbled, then collapsed in two as it faded into ash. Yet the damage its enemy had done was now its top priority.
It limped itself to the area, smells that were familiar to it's survival coming back from it's trainer. It took the meager items around, trying to address the wounds upon it's wings.
It had been told by it's master at how resourceful it was, now it felt the pain but knew that it had at least starved off death for this moment.
It took shelter under the fallen tree, yet sleep took it quickly.
It had been three days, in that time it tried to feel if it's wings were ready to take flight once more. After a few hours of test and such, it was satisfied it could continue, as it leaped into the skies.
It had carried itself upon the wind, yet it felt deep within itself that it's mission might be impossible, yet continued onward as it knew that should it fail.
No... it would not fail.
It's eyes noticed crimson figures upon it's sights, cautious of such a colour it continued to climb higher to avoid their perception, yet the cracks of explosions made it realize too late it's error.
It had felt pain upon it's wing, looking upon the pain it had seen it's blood started to drip from a wound that it knew could not be stopped, yet it tried to continue onward.
It used whatever chakra it had left to staunch the blood, to keep it within it's body, yet by the slow dripping it knew it would not be able to survive.
Yet, something beyond the horizon gave it pause, for it had felt something familiar.
Chakra, powerful and numerous, as familiar smells that it had been trained in started to drift on the breeze.
It clung to this, hoping that it's mission would yet succeed.
The pain started to make it stumble in it's flight path, as it's vision started to fade to an abyss of black, yet though sheer willpower did it continue onward. Feeling the thumping beat of it's heart as it used all it's instincts to guide it to it's destination. It could feel itself getting closer and closer.
It's left wing folded, its body unable to keep the wing lifted as it started to free fall towards the ground.
It closed its eyes, knowing that it would be all over soon, yet what it expected to be a hard landing felt almost... peaceful
'Gotcha!' a mechanical voice said, it was unable to tell what was happening but used the last of it's strength to open it's eyes, what it saw made it feel relief.
It was an armored figure, yet the symbol behind it, the symbol of Elementia, gave it satisfaction.
It was with that last image, that it embraced its rest.
For only in death... does duty end.
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'Commander! The recon squad has returned. They say they bring a messenger bird, it carries the seal of Vierra'
Dimitri Soviesky looked up from his reports, his jaeger battalion had just came from a failed campaign to save the great city of Polyndis, so to hear of news from Vierra brought the commander some measure of gratitude that someone yet still holds out in this war.
He had walked out from his tent, as the paladin jaegers of his recon company kneeled before the aged man, he looked at them all with a calm smile before looking upon the corpse of the messenger bird.
It's shape and breed was indeed common within Vierra, and the pouch with the seals of Elementia and the great city indeed gave purchase to the messenger.
'Was there any way to save the creature?' Soviesky asked, as he looked upon the bloody bird, it's eyes were open yet it seemed rather peaceful.
'No sir... it was falling out from the sky, it was ranger Kirith that was able to catch it in time before it crashed into the ground.'
He looked upon the creature, it could see the wounds upon it's wings, along with the shot that ultimately felled it. He placed his hands to gently swipe the eyes of the hawk, as he closed it's eyes. He glanced upon it's leg, where the pouch holding the message was stored.
He pulled out the parchment, his eyes rolled across the message, yet he looked down upon a watch he carried as his eyes widened.
'This message is recent. Captain, rally the battalion... we have our destination' Dimitri said, conviction in his voice.
'What shall I tell them commander?' His captain, a man named Dogathryn asked.
'Tell them we march onward, Vierra still holds... The wings of justice will fly to it's aid this day'
The sounds of thousands of mechanical footsteps echoed across the valley, as the captain stood above them he tried to make a headcount of their numbers, his estimations were pleased as he could see no less than four hundred thousand armored walkers standing at attention in his presence, he raised his sword, it's massive size making his paladin jaeger look small in comparison.
'Comrades! My brothers and sisters! I bring news of hope. A great city of Terraria still stands! Vierra, the jewel of the south still stands!'
Mutters and excitement came from those whom were from Vierra, to hear of the news it still stood even in such a hostile place was a relief to many.
'Yet even now... an army of the mad and deranged have taken her in siege... They have asked for aid, and we shall answer!'
The shouts of cheers and battle cries echoed across the valley as a fire was lit within the eyes of those whom served, by now the chanting was fierce as vengeance burned in each soldier.
'Hussars! We march! To Vierra!'
The sounds of chants, mechanical steps and the rumble of armored titans echoed across the valley, while the banner of the battalion was held in the air by a few paladins, it's shape was of a horse head, with a pair of metallic silver wings fluttering behind it's blue grandeur.
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(Present Time)
A red dawn rose upon Vierra's horizon, the months had been unending to her defenders. Her mighty walls and trenches had been weathered and broken by the months of unending defense, yet by some miracle the line never faltered.
Winter had felt a fatigue upon her bones, in all her life she would never had imagine that such a scale of warfare was even possible, even during her periods of rest she could smell, taste and hear the sounds of death around her. Her eyes were bloodshot, bags of dark skin nestled themselves under her eyes, yet she still held on.
She could see the lost look upon those under her command, to see such a somber was heartbreaking for her, yet she had to remain strong, less she suck out the last clings of passion left. Hope was indeed a fleeting thought among everyone within Vierra.
Yet it was the dawn of this day, eight months from the first invasion, that hope within Vierra started to falter.
The horizon was bathed in the colour of crimson, as far as their eyes could see was a sea of red, no discernible things could be taken from the sight, yet the roars of chanting echoed across the fields brought a dread that was too terrible to imagine.
'Blood...blood...blood...blood...blood...blood'
The echo of this chant rose higher each time, almost bursting to in it's bellowing. Among the sea's of red were totems of a strange icon, yet upon them were the still screaming bodies of survivors from the outer townships, they screamed as blood flowed from their wounds, these being done by all manner of weapons the madmen underneath the totems could find, yet even with such wounds, the bodies continued to scream as the blood continued to flow.
'Blood...blood...blood...blood...blood...blood'
As the sea of red continued to march towards the city proper, the defenders were holding in bile and vomit, at seeing such heinous acts of savagery were being performed before them, some even fell down into a fetal position, mutters of safety, of anything to pulls them out from this nightmare were being said, while those whom were more grizzled looked on in disgust.
'BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD!'many shouted, as the poles were slammed into the ground, an orgy of flesh and blood echoed about as the screams of those whom were upon those totems continued onward. Crimson blood exploded as hellfire erupted from the acts, portals of flesh and ash pulsed with power as now manifestations of horror walked among the living.
'BLOOD... BLOOD...BLOOD...BLOOD'
'No...no..nonono... How can we stand against this?! How can we survive this? This is a nightmare...Momma... I want to go home... I want to go home' A young boy beside Winter said, as his will to fight was broken by such a display, all around her she could see those whom had broke from such a violent act. She felt a fear settle upon herself as well, yet she had to remain strong. Shaking the youth to get him coherent once again, she used her chakra to try and calm the boy.
'It's okay... It's going to be okay' Winter said, as she held the youth in her arms, even as she knew within her heart that she was lying. Her second in command was standing next to her, his heart faltering, yet could not let such a display shake his resolve.
'General' Winter asked, still holding on to the boy 'There must have been something... something from our past... from the times before... when hope was to be lost...was there something... anything to keep our resolve?'
The general thought hard about this, yet something in his childhood, something his father had once taught him, that echoed a burning resolve in his mind. He remembered such a thing, maybe a way to bring forth courage in such harrowing times.
'Aye Madam... I remember... something me father had once taught me... words from the knights of old... of those whom stood against the terrors of the void'
Winter grasped onto this, she had to for herself and those around her.
'Then please...let us hear these words... these words of courage'
A stilled silence settled itself around the general and those within his hearing, yet his voice started to come out in a calm pitch, it's tone pulling the fear out from those whom could listen.
Men of Harlec. Stop your dreaming
Can't you see their spear points Gleaming?
See their warriors ever Screaming
On this battlefield
Men of Harlec. Stand here steady
It cannot be ever steady
For the battle, we're not ready.
Terrans never yield.
From the hills rebounding
Let his war-cry sounding.
Summon all, to Vierra's walls
The lightning Falls around thee.
Men of Harlec. Onto glory
This will ever be your story
Till Invaders learn with quailing
Terrans never yield.
Silence settled upon the defenders, yet it was a fleeting moment, before another joined in, his voice renewing the song once again.
Men of Harlec. Stop your dreaming
Can't you see their spear points Gleaming
More defenders joined, their voices adding onto the newly created choir of voices as Winter bellowed out her order.
'Sing!... have them sing! Get them all to sing!'
See their warriors ever Screaming
On this battlefield?
The battlements of Vierra echoed with the sounds of singing, as men,women and children whom stood to fight echoed the song before them. In this, their hearts were calmed from the display of fear.
Men of Harlec. Stand here steady
It cannot be ever steady
Artilery teams and those within the trenches readied their weapons, shells were loaded as men looked to their weaponry, ensuring they delivered when the time came. All the while their voices continued to sing out.
For the battle, we're not ready.
Terrans never yield.
The chanting from the enemy reached higher and higher, yet the singing of the defenders bellowed out from the walls, it was more than just a battle of strength, but a battle of spirit.
'BLOOD... BLOOD...BLOOD...BLOOD'
From the hills rebounding
Let his war-cry sounding.
Summon all, to Vierra's walls
The lightning Falls around thee.
The grounds shook from the frenzied stomps of the horde, while within the safety of the walls the sounds of voices poured out a single note of defiance, even as the skies cracked a viscous red, as lightning stuck around the city, even as the very skies itself rained blood, echoes of vicious gods reverberating through the air, the battlefield remained entangled in the sounds.
Men of Harlec. Onto glory
This will ever be your story
Till Invaders learn with quailing
Terrans never yield.
A massive figure with wings of fire raised its axe, it's size immeasurable to those of mortal standing as it bellowed out a mighty roar.
'SLAUGHTER THEM!'
Men of Harlec. Stop your dreaming
Can't you see their spear points Gleaming?
See their warriors ever Screaming
On this battlefield
The ground shook as the sea of red pushed towards the city, roars of hatred and rage echoed out as the pitch of feet combined together into a crackling rumble. Yet the voices of the defenders still held true, even as the sounds of artillery exploded around them as high explosive ammunition flashed slithers of the tide into nothingness.
Men of Harlec. Stand here steady
It cannot be ever steady
For the battle, we're not ready.
Terrans never yield.
The first volleys of light struck from the distant ramparts of Vierra from heavy towers, yet against the tide of red it was merely a flash display, the ground shook and groaned as the tide continued it's momentum, as explosions and firestorms brewed against the unstoppable force.
From the hills rebounding
Let his war-cry sounding.
Summon all, to Vierra's walls
The lightning Falls around thee.
Endless screams of madness echoed across the sea, it's distance becoming smaller and smaller, as more of Vierra's fury was being dredged out from it's people.
Men of Harlec. Onto glory
This will ever be your story
Till Invaders learn with quailing
Terrans never yield.
Winter stood among the wall, her stance showing strength even as the very sky itself flashed red lightning across the city, she pulled her chakra deep within her, empowering her voice to a frightening magnitude.
'FORM FIRING RANKS!' Her voice echoed across the walls, as commanding officers repeated her order, endless lines of defenders readied their weapons as they formed uniform lines of firepower. The line bellowed out roars of defiance. Where fear had gripped them only courage and resolve remained.
The enemy had now crossed the last mile of no mans land, as the pounding barrage of the city was unleashed in it's apocalyptic fury, yet even this was nothing against the sheer momentum of berserkers and madmen whom rushed through utter destruction to spill blood for their diabolical god.
They would be answered with the sounds of discharged dust powder.
'OPEN FIRE!'
The atmosphere cracked and fizzled as beams of energy pulsed across the air, the light almost blinding as thunderclaps echoed across the battlefield, the first volley hit the enemy as the first thirty lines of the enemy crumpled from the sheer discharge, then the next volley shot forth, and the next, and the next.
The eighth wave against the city of Vierra had truly begun.
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[Entry Log 58-141.012.M30:]
[I've hit a literal Wall on progress...]
[Emma... my brave and beautiful little girl has finally proven the first phase of the system... But I have gone through countless formula's and calculations... but I just can't get it to work]
[I have tried all I could with the energy requirements... but nothing I have done is giving me the results I need... And Emma... she is too tired from her exertion to help me...]
[I can hear the firing artillery from the outside. Even though this facility is sheltered from even orbital fire... the sounds... the explosions... They are just still coming]
[I... I don't know if I am able to do this...I just wish... We had more time]
Leonard screamed in frustration within his laboratory as he threw the recorder to the nearest wall. Years of research and testing to be just short of his dream, it made him scream out in frustration at the unfairness of it all.
'Dammit! Just why! Why won't you bloody work!' he screamed as he looked upon his whiteboard, various mathematical calculations and formula compositions were stretched across it's surface, while failed crystals glowed across the room, these being connected to the constructed generators that were providing Vierra the means to hold out against an ever expanding enemy.
In a moment of anger, he threw an object upon the board, erasing parts of it as the object collided upon it's surface as Leonard closed his eyes within his seat that he found himself on.
Leonard felt a cold chill settle within his body, as he could not shake the inevitable hell everyone in that city was about to experience. Such a weight was almost crushing in it's nature.
It was in this moment, when his mind was at it's lowest, that a malicious energy found it's opportunity. It was part of a greater collective and found the materials struggle to be rather amusing. It had used it's influence to provide roadblocks to this person. As it knew that if such knowledge was created, it's master would be most displeased.
Yet, as it tried to pull at this one's soul, it found a striking resistance. It tried to pull back, it's danger sense flaring, yet it could not account for the variable that was chakra.
Leonard's chakra had flared up, it's presence was burning to the entity. It didn't understand what was happening. Why was this mortals chakra acting as such?
Yet when the chakra had found purchase upon the malevolence. The entity realised it's error, that for all that it had control over...chakra proved one truth within existence.
That sometimes... the most unpredictable things will bring forth the most amazing results.
The entity was helpless as chakra ravaged it. Consuming it utterly as the energy of it's creation was being syphoned into the chakra, as this spark of change, of progress has struck within, it empowered the chakra to achieve the impossible.
Leonard had felt a disturbance within his chakra, it was minute in detail but gave his system such a shock that he opened his eyes to the world. His vision looked upon the board as the object he threw had erased a section of it's composition. Yet what shocked him more was the fact his chakra had infused him with a momentary spark of revelation.
'Wait...wait...' He said, standing up and making a dash towards the board. His hands, guided by means he could not quite understand, started to follow a flow. His mind was trying to comprehend what his chakra was guiding him towards, but by the end of his hand movement he stepped back from his moment of inspiration. A look of utter shock and confusion upon his face.
'Could it really be that simple?' he muttered, as he drew the last parts of the equation upon the board, a small laugh settled upon his lips as he merely looked at what he had just written, as his mind was trying to settle upon either happiness or excitement.
'What was that sensation before?' Leonard asked himself, as he tried out this new combination into his machine, the precision and timing of the batch was to the milliseconds, yet after a few hours of persistence he opened the chamber.
He had never seen such a crystal structure before. Where the core of a crystal would usually be uniform and split, within the core this crystal looked completely different, various streams of crystallized chakra were locked into a spiralling singularity within, the array almost mesmerizing in it's radiance and colour, yet even from here he could feel the sheer power emanating from the object, pulsing in a tempo that somehow calmed him even though such a phenomena should not be possible.
'Wow... soo beautiful' Leonard carefully pulled out the crystal, taking extra care to ensure nothing was given to chance, after his meticulous visual inspection he placed in into the specialized measurement device as it performed a detailed analysis of the object.
He was anxious for the results, the minutes taken to analyse it seemed like hours for him, but a sudden chime pulled his attention away as his console finally gave out the detailed report.
His eyes scanned the results, as his face bore a happy smile. By the end of it he started to give an excited yelp as he celebrated around the room.
'Six omega watts... unbelievable' Leonard said as he looked at the energy output of the crystal, his mind was now excited at the possibility of such a object.
Wasting no time, he inserted the crystal into the engine chamber, the crystal started to float within as it's energy pulsed into the machine, bringing it to life, Leonard operated a few console commands as his screen asked him if he would like to proceed.
A simple press of the button confirmed his action.
Lightning arced across the room as a singular tear started to manifest itself upon the platform. The chakra crystal pulsed as pure energy flooded it's chamber housing as the machine gave an audible whine.
From the tear came a flood of colours, it's radiance making Leonard close his eyes from the sudden brightness, yet this was far different from the usual malevolent violet or purple colours he had seen during controlled transits through the immaterium, instead these colours looked more natural as the colours reflected a more atmospheric sky.
The arcs of blue lightning across the edges of the tear started to die out as the singularity stabilized, as Leonard looked onwards at the crystal clear reflection of a planets sky showed itself to him, standing within this area was another person, their form and size showed them as a female Faunus. Her cat ears along with flowing silver hair reflected the light coming from Solaris as their hazel coloured eyes looked on in awe.
'Mister Leonard... I can see you!' The voice of the individual said from beyond the tear, yet the sound was somewhat muted, it's volume almost sounding murky as Leonard looked on with a massive smile.
Leonard took a deep breath, as he clung to the hope that his work was now starting to bare fruit, he took a few hesitant steps towards the now stable portal, his hand almost passing through the surface but was stopped at the last second.
What if this doesn't work? What if this goes horribly wrong? Leonard thought, hesitant to take that last step.
Yet somehow, his chakra sensed this hesitation and involuntarily released a burst of it into his body, as though it was saying that everything would be fine.
I guess my gut is right...I've come too far to just stop at the finish line... I will just have to have faith in everyone's effort... I just got to believe in myself
It was this burst of courage that allowed Leonard to take the leap.
He felt a brief moment of vertigo, the transition in his mind was like nothing he had ever felt in his life. Even the dangers of warp travel did not feel like anything he had just experienced, yet he could feel that it possessed no danger or threat to him or anything of his person.
Then he felt the warmth of Solaris as it gently penetrated the world he had just arrived to. Looking up he could see a grand sky, as the world itself was devoid of the havoc and chaos of Terraria, instead curiosity filled his mind when he could see a massive shell of transparent crystal had surrounded the planets atmosphere, as beyond were the pounding of high ordinance shells from enemy ships trying to penetrate it's surface, the explosives lighting up the skies in momentary burst of flame.
'Leonard!' The voice of the faunus before him said, as she gave him a gentle hug of appreciation, yet the skies above still pulled his attention away as he merely stared in wonder.
'Lileath... what is... what is that?' Leonard asked, his mind trying to figure out what he was seeing as he continued to watch the display of firepower try and penetrate the hardened shell.
'The planet... Menagerie... when the invasion fleet arrived, this shell manifested itself from the planet... It was incredible... We had never seen such a phenomenon happen. We still don't fully understand what happened, but the enemy fleet could only send a small invasion force, one that we faunus easily destroyed... But we were concerned that we would not be able to send help to the others in Elementia...'
Yet she pointed her hand behind him as Leonard looked back, his heart filled with excitement as the tear still remained in perfect preservation behind him.
'Yet... you did it Leonard... You achieved the impossible... With this we could pave the way for us to help the others! You did it!'
Leonard had to take a moment to center himself, realizing that his ambition and curiosity had finally bore itself into this moment. Years of research, trial and error and many setbacks had led to this one glorious moment.
'Yea' Leonard said 'This is a hell of moment'
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Sabaku no Garra looked up towards the massive Imperator Titan that had barely been stopped near the council of Terra. The Magnifica Incendious was indeed a wonder of Martian might, yet Garra merely kept it's stature and such as a footnote to what had just happened hours prior.
'Such a discordant moment, all within the the heart of the Imperium... truly, such troubling times for such drastic actions'
The binary succession and the resolution of the Martian refugee's had come to a head, as the formation of a new adeptus had started to be finalized within the council chambers. Garra, as the representative of Elementia had stood within the chamber when Kane, whom had once came to their world to finalize their independence was the one whom would take the mantle of first fabricator general under these unprecedented times.
It had taken many more hours of negotiations and such, yet by the end of it Garra had merely stood watching as events within history were done before his eyes.
'It is rather frustrating that the human mind is inherently selfish when addressed with matters beyond survival. Truly, if the Imperial governance is to be such a fate, I shudder for the future of all of us.'
The red robes of a female stood at attention within Garra's sights, he had already seen her within the chambers of the council during the beginnings of the events so knew her rather well. Her form was calm as she looked onwards to the Imperator, her blue electro eyes looking onward in silent contemplation.
'Ambassador Velthorel' Garra said as she turned around to stare at the astartes captain and representative.
'Captain Garra. I see that Elementia is still given the privilege of seeing the foundations of the Imperium at work.'
Garra gave a chuckle at the subtle jab 'Even though our independence from the Imperium and the Mechanicum of Mars is enshrined in our constitution. It is still within our best interest to ensure Terra upholds their end of the agreement'
'Indeed. Such a logic is sound. To what event is one of such station required here?' Velthorel asked, her voice rather human yet still carried that tone of indifference that adepts of the mechanicum contained.
'Our alliance still requires that we Elementians are in support of the Imperium and her vested interest. Watching the council collectively devolve to children regarding Mars and her problems was a rather pitiful endeavour'
'I see. It is rather unfortunate that the council did not see earlier the necessity of such a creation. Yet the succession had to be addressed. It is only logical'
'Indeed. Such a power vacuum within the martian chain of command needed to be addressed. Yet' Garra said, as his eyes looked upon Velthorel.
'Will it be worth it for the mechanicum? This council has shown that in even such a dire situation that the interest of the few and the power that they hold is a rather volatile scene. I would hazard a guess that such selfish actions could indeed spell disaster for all of us if they are not resolved in a timely manner'
'It is my logic and understanding that this is a necessary step for the children of mars to partake in. Without this action, the legitimacy of Kane as fabricator general would conflict with standing traditions of our people. Kelbor hal, the traitor whom invoked this civil war must be stripped of his authority, lest others follow him under the false pretence of duty'
'I see' Garra said, watching as the massive titan took careful steps outwards from the imperial capital, the ground shaking from it's every step.
'Perhaps then... In the unknowns that this civil war has brought into this Imperium, perhaps new avenues to resolve these situations can be gathered from the conflict'
Velthorel looked on in surprise at the words the captain had said, her eyes looked upon him widened as she was trying to digest the implications of such a statement.
'To stray from the path of knowledge is considered heresy captain. To even think that a more efficient method than what has already been re-discovered by our faith is not yet visualized is to question the very faith itself... in this, your logic is flawed'
'You say this Ambassador... yet we are living in a time unknown, by your logic such things should have already been accounted for. Yet here we are'
Velthorel tried to speak up in refute to Garra's statement, yet only silence greeted her as her mind digested the events that had lead up to this.
'Remember ambassador. To learn is to be human, to ignore such warnings is to invite them again... do try to remember that'
'I... I acknowledge your statement captain.' Velthorel said as she turned around, ready to return to the fabricator general once again.
'May your path in life be long and fruitful ambassador' Garra said as he turned away to head towards his destination.
'And may yours be as well captain. May the machine god, the motive force and the omnissiah bless us both'
Garra made his way back towards the companies of shadow foxes that were stationed on Terra, looking around he could see an unease about them as news was few and far between regarding their home-worlds. Garra was saluted by those of his company as he looked upon the latest reports and documents, he noticed the deficiencies and used those of his command squad to address them and allocate the limited resources at his disposal.
Footsteps echoed across the chamber he was in, he pulled his vision away from a data slate as a grand figure stood before him. His face was a stern look, his hair and stature demanding respect from all, even as he stood taller than even his astartes figure, Garra took a knee as a sign of great respect to the figure.
'Lord Rogal' Garra said, giving a formal greeting to the primarch whom was inspecting the captain.
'Rise Garra. You have at least earned the right to stand in my presence' Rogal said, his voice calculating even as his sight looked upon the shadow foxes training within the current area.
'How are the resources of your men holding?' Rogal said, his tone very punctual despite saying very little.
'We are content with what we have praetorian, The training of those new recruits we received from Elementia a few months ago is proceeding as planned, already they have adapted very well in learning from your legionnaires and the extensive arts of fortifications'
'Good' Rogal said, his tone sharp as he looked at a data slate within his arm wrist.
'There is however one anomaly I am seeing... regarding captain Kurosuchi'
Garra's face showed no outward appearance, yet the mere fact the praetorian knew something regarding the third company captain was indeed rather troubling, considering that information regarding shadow fox captains is maintained only to the most senior administration within the legion itself.
Garra had been to Kurosuchi when the news of Isstvan happened, yet she had given him information that in the wrong hands could condemn her, yet Garra had given his sympathy due to the unfortunate consequences with whom she had built a relationship with. It was a well known secret among the captains that her affection to a certain someone was rather well known.
'And this anomaly is concerning how praetorian?' Garra asked, his tone dull yet a small tinge of curiosity was upon his voice at how the primarch knew such sensitive information.
'Her flagship had requested to be included within battlefleet solars patrol operations on the outer sol system. Yet my information has shown that the captain has been rather antisocial as of late. I have deduced the origin of this to be in rather coincidental timing with the return ships from Isstvan'
At this Rogal looked on to Garra's eyes, even though the captain was not letting anything show, somehow he knew that the primarch had a well educated guess on what was happening with his former apprentice.
'Do you suspect something praetorian? If so we can discuss such matters in a more discreet location' Garra said, knowing that to lie to the primarch was a grave mistake.
'I think we should indeed discuss such things privately Captain. Please follow me'
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Perturabo had returned to his vessel with the grand meeting with the warmaster, it seems their fleet will be holding outside of Sol's perimeter for the time being. While outward Perturabo showed nothing of interest, inside a gnawing sense of self doubt was pulling his mind towards unhealthy scenario's.
In his mind, he was contemplating if his choice was indeed the correct one, even as he could see the forces of the warmaster were starting to devolve into something no longer human, in another time and place he would have paid this no attention, yet in this reality there were more stakes he was placing regarding this gambit.
Angron was not there during the meeting, yet the warmaster was adamant he would be there come time to assault Terra... There are far too many variables across the board for me to contemplate... yet Horus is expecting my expertise come besieging Terra itself.
He looked upon his table, bits of pieces of works he was making were spread across it's surface, mostly in uncompleted states before his attention was pulled to a more important matter, yet something small caught the sight of his eye as he looked upon it, spotting the small amulet that was usually resting under his armour that was laying upon it's surface.
Kuro... could you forgive me for this? If I was given the chance to explain myself?
His attention was pulled as he heard a distinct tone, knowing it's origin he rushed towards a lone panel upon the rear of his chamber, pressing a combination of buttons that were not even noticeable as an access panel it opened to reveal a simple vox transmitter, it's shape was nothing of note yet the technological workings of this device were more advanced than anything within this very ship.
The device released a series of sounds, the pattern of which would be utterly confusing to anyone else, yet to Perturabo, whom designed the system. Knew the message that was being broadcasted.
'Lone Vessel. Name;Resolution. On route to co ordinates personnel onboard. Acknowledge'
Perturabo closed his eyes, as his hearts settled in their beating. This technology was unique, a specialized vox transmitter and receiver that was able to decipher any known transmission from humanity only one other was given the privilege and encryption codes to communicate with this device. He reached out with his hands towards the transmitter, yet noticed them shaking almost uncontrollably. He grasped the hand with his other, his mind willing the appendage to cease it's action. After a minute, his hand gently rested upon the transmitter.
'Message received. Vessel on route. Priority to be given to vessel. Over'
He waited a few more minutes, knowing the message would continue to repeat upon the frequency until a reply signal was given. He would be given his answer.
'Acknowledge. End transmission'
He calmed his mind for the task at hand, readying himself for explaining why he had done all of this, he would have his chance to explain.
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Lieutenant Ameyuki Imahomi looked on nervously, she and a select crew of hand picked bodyguards looked upon their captain with uncertainty as their vessel travelled within space itself. She had absolute loyalty to her captain and Kage, yet the situation that she was put in made her very much uneasy.
'lady Kurosuchi... surely there is another way for us to approach this?'
Kurosuchi looked from her seat, outward she was stone cold but inside she was extremely anxious, multiple scenario's and simulations within her mind made her unable to rest or find some means of closure, as the topic of her unease had done something that was beyond what she had contemplated he would do.
'I must know Ameyuki... there must be a reason that he willingly did what he did... there must be'
'My lady... I know this might seems harsh... but maybe he willingly joined them. Maybe there was no true motive'
Kurosuchi looked at her with a glare that made the lieutenant stagger, the glare almost made her feel like collapsing yet kurosuchi merely released a gasp of air as she leaned back within her seat, Ameyuki could see the aged look within her eyes as she had to give her sympathy to her captain.
'I know him... Perturabo would not just join for no reason. He is a man of logic and efficiency... this is just something that is alien to his thought process... something I have to figure out'
'Captain...'
'I... I haven't been getting enough rest... even with my transhuman body I feel this pain settling within me... it burns my insides' Kurosuchi said, as her hand rested upon her chest.
'My lady... Will they truly honour the safety of this vessel? These are traitors to the Imperium... the very same people whom slaughtered our comrades and friends at Isstvan...'
'I know that you are all sceptic and hesitant... yet by my word and the word of their primarch I assure you... we will not be harmed'
A sudden warp anomaly pulled nearby, as the gloriana class ship Iron blood made transit back into real space, the crew of the lone ship were on high alert as the grand vessel turned it's orientation towards the much smaller vessel, yet no warning of weapons activating sounded across the various scanners.
The crew held their breath, yet Kurosuchi merely looked onwards as the grand ship started to open one of the many space docks upon it's starboard.
'There... helmsman... take us in'
'Aye my lady'
The vessel Resolution drifted into the main hangar, where various groups of Iron warriors were awaiting the ships landing. As soon as the vessel touched upon the floor the entire area surrounding the small ship was surrounded by disciplined lines of Iron warriors, these trained their bolters towards the opening hatch as Kurosuchi made her way downwards. Reaching the bottom she stopped as a dozen Iron hand legionaries pointed their boltguns towards the captain, yet she did not flinch one bit.
'Stop!' A bellowing voice said, as a figure in full plated armour walked towards the group, the Iron hands took a knee as Kurosuchi looked onwards, her face cast in stone yet within her hearts were pounding in her chest.
'This vessel and their occupants are to not be harmed... any who disobey this will have to answer to me'
The kneeling astartes bowed their heads, understanding the words of their primarch as law, while Kurosuchi stepped forth before the primarch himself.
'Lord Perturabo' Kurosuchi said, her tone formal
'Captain Kurosuchi' Perturabo said, his tone also not changing. Perturabo merely turned around as Kurosuchi followed behind him silently.
Kurosuchi scanned her surroundings as they travelled through the monstrous ship, already she could see signs of anomalies within, her memories of previous places started to be filled with new images and such.
She noticed clear signs of degradation or even the appearance of things that she could not discern across multiple chambers and corridors, a few times she had to stop as her eyes were widened at the sight of unholy and outright horrifying things that her vision was filled with, yet a quick word from Perturabo had her continue her pace, headless of what she had just seen.
Eventually, the duo appeared before a massive chamber door, one Kurosuchi had fond memories of as this was one of the few rooms she was given the privilege of entering. Within the room was as she remembered, projects and such that Perturabo had focused on scattered across various area's across the room, while his desk was within the corner with stacks of paperwork and other trinkets that claimed his interest. Her vision allowed her to see the lone pendant resting upon it's surface, it's other twin the same one upon her neck.
Silence echoed across the room as Perturabo activated the closing sequence for the chamber door, so that no one could disturb the pair. In his mind he was trying to think of what he was to say to her first, as he pulled off the head cover for his terminator plate, he turned around, only to feel a light slap upon his cheek as his brain was momentarily stunned by the action.
Looking back at the astartes woman, he noticed she was not wearing her tactical armour or even carried any weapons upon his ship, instead wearing a simple set of robes that covered her figure, yet the sheer fury within her eyes made the primarch squirm under that scowling gaze.
'You stupid Idiot! You Ignoramus! You bastard!' Kurosuchi said as her fist started to strike the primarchs armour, yet did not do any lasting damage upon the unyielding plate
Perturabo merely stood in silence as Kurosuchi continued to hammer away at his armour, he did nothing to stop her as she poured out her frustration and rage at what he had done. Eventually the strikes had stopped, as he could hear the sound of crying instead.
He looked down, seeing Kurosuchi resting against his armour, her face buried within the plate yet the sounds of crying still echoed across the room, he could not describe the feeling boiling within him, for a man whom only knew resentment and angst, these emotions were a different pain he had never experienced before. It tore at him, yet he did not know why.
'Why' Kurosuchi whispered, as her voice was coarse, he hesitated for a second before he rested his hand upon her shoulder, her flinch made him stagger his hand back yet he could feel that Kurosuchi did not wish to stop him. He took what felt like an eternity to give his answer.
'I did it... for you'
'What?'
Kurosuchi looked up, her eyes red as tears marred her face, Perturabo felt that same pain within his chest as he gently lifted his finger, wiping the tear streaks upon her face with a tenderness he did not even realise he had. This woman drew out feelings within himself that he could not understand, yet he did not want to end them as he felt this new simulation to be almost euphoric.
'I joined Horus and his rebellion. Not for my own means, or even those of my legion... I did it to ensure the safety of all that you care for'
'I don't...' Kurosuchi said, her voice quiet 'I don't understand'
'There is nothing in this existence that I had an emotional attachment to. My home world I could not care about. My former family I did not even give a glancing thought. Even those of my sons within this legion I only considered as a resource for the task that was given to me by that man.'
'But...' Perturabo said, silence hanging upon his next words 'Then I met you... and everything I knew had changed'
'I remember at first that I was to merely be your teacher. To teach you the art of all I knew, of all that I had built within this empire. I had at first deduced you would be merely a new resource for my own needs, a way for me to ensure my teachings and legacy would continue even after my death... It was merely a professional occupation that I would fulfil because I was commanded to'
'Then... what changed?' Kurosuchi asked, her tone timid as even Perturabo felt his hearts beat faster in his chest.
'I do not know how it started. Yet I found your enthusiasm a welcome change, your willingness to learn, your stubbornness and refusal to back down... even your sheer tenacity... It was as though I had seen a reflection of myself...'
'Something felt... different... something I could not explain but it was a feeling I yearned for. Something that made me feel something I had never felt before... even now' Perturabo said, as his arms fell to either side of Kurosuchi, his embrace soft and warm to Kurosuchi despite his massive form of armour that separated the two.
'I don't understand this... but I do not wish to let it go'
'This feeling' Kurosuchi said, her voice quivering 'This is the same feeling that I feel for you'
'What is this feeling Kuro?' Perturabo asked, his tone almost fearful 'What is this?'
Kurosuchi felt tears well up new in her eyes, as even her chest almost felt crushing by this feeling, yet her voice echoed out in the softest tone she had uttered, yet to Perturabo it was the sound of thunder.
'Love'
'So this is love' Perturabo said, his voice calm despite this revelation given to him, he had heard of this word being said by his brothers yet did not understand what they were implying by it. Yet in this moment, as his body was feeling both weak and strong simultaneously, while his hearts hammered upon his chest yet he felt a fulfilment he did not realise, it was as though the word had finally found meaning.
'Which is why... I still don't understand' Kurosuchi said, her tone hurt yet still puzzled by the primarchs actions 'You said... this was all for me?'
'I had bargained with the warmaster. Ensuring a condition for my alliance, this condition was to be the sole reason my legion now follows him in this rebellion. My sons do not know of this reason, you are to be the only one that I will tell'
'For my legions service to his cause. The worlds of Elementia, from your home world to Menagerie... were to not be harmed during his rebellion. That was the condition that I had given him.'
Kurosuchi could not believe what she had heard, to be told that a legion of astartes had sided with the warmaster, all for the safety of her home, it caused her to legs to start giving out underneath her.
Perturabo grabbed her body, his look of concern at her shock was eating away at him, yet he carried her to his personal bed that layed on the other side of the massive chamber.
Kurosuchi sat upon the bed, her mind racing with this revelation, as Perturabo merely stood next to her, ensuring that no harm befall her during the tense moment of silence.
The silence dragged on for minutes, yet for Perturabo it felt like lifetimes, not even the entropic bite of the Hrud had felt this painful compared to the feeling within his body at this moment. He had started to walk away from his position near the bed when a gentle hand stopped him.
'Kuro?' Perturabo asked, his tone hesitant.
She looked upon the Primarch with a new fire, her eyes alight with something he did not understand. Yet like a moth to flame he could not look away. Her face inched closer to his as she closed the gap.
Fire erupted within his chest as a simple touch of their lips left a pleasant burning sensation within him, his eyes were glazed over as he could not compute the sensation he had just experienced, yet to his surprise that was merely the beginning.
'Perti... Let me take off your armour' Kurosuchi said, as she stood, her hand snaking towards the binding locks that held his armour upon his body. He held her hand in a moment of hesitation, as a look of concern graced his face.
'No... Kuro... My actions have tainted me... this armour hides the truth of my sins... I do not want you to have my image be tainted by such a state' a soft giggling made him surprised as Kurosuchi pulled her fingers towards his lips.
'I do not care... My heart will never let your sins cloud my sight... for you are beautiful to my eyes regardless... so please... let me this one request'
Perturabo felt hesitation fill him, yet another feeling that he could not describe had pulled itself from his mind, it's essence filled him with something that he had almost found pleasant. His hand gently pulled away from Kurosuchi as she continued with her task.
Piece by piece, his armour was stripped from his body, until Kurosuchi saw him within his under suit, yet even this made Perturabo feel a deep sense of shame as she drank in his exposed form. With a tense grace she even stripped him of this final barrier, exposing himself to her in full.
Various scars lined his body, as signs of a corrupting energy had left their marks across it, various small protrusions of unsightly maladies graced parts of his torso as cuts were formed across his skin of various marks and unholy symbols. Kurosuchi merely looked upon the body of the primarch with nothing but a calm look, taking her time inspecting every part of his body as Perturabo stood in stillness, his hearts beating heavy in his chest as his eyes looked away from her in shame.
'Now' Perturabo said, his tone scared for the first time in forever 'Now you can see... my sins... all that I have done... It disgust me' he said in self disgust, yet a gentle hand rested itself upon one of his sins, a scar of the icon of chaos that was etched upon its surface. He had tried to feel upon the daemons that usually rest themselves upon their works, yet he could feel nothing of the sort as Kurosuchi ran her hand upon the scar.
'I am not afraid of you Perti... I would never be afraid of you' she said as she pulled the primarch into another soft kiss, as tears came from his eyes at such a statement. Kurosuchi gently pushed the primarch upon his bed, a look of confusion upon his face at such an action, yet Kurosuchi merely looked at him with a fire still within her eyes.
'Kuro?' Perturabo asked, his tone hesitant as she started to grasp the bindings of her simple robe.
'For this single moment... let me be selfish' Kurosuchi said, as the article of clothing dropped to the ground, revealing her body underneath, Perturabo felt his lungs freeze as his eyes looked upon the form of the astartes woman before him.
He looked upon every single aspect of her body, seeing the various scars of battle she had acquired across her extensive service, his eyes wandered lower across her body, as he looked upon her womanly sights as he tried to compute what was going on.
'Your sacrifice... nobody will know that you are an honourable man... My worlds will never know it was you whom spared them the fires of this war... and for that... I shall repay it tenfold'
'Kuro...' Perturabo said, his breath caught once again in his chest as she walked closer towards the bed.
'For this one moment... let me show you the depths of my love... in this moment... we are not Kuro and Perti... instead I am yours... my dear husband'
Perturabo could scarcely tell what had happened after that moment, yet the emotions that flooded his body were unlike anything he had ever experienced. After the first hour he felt a need to experience more of this, until he could hear the passion flood his ears from both his and Kurosuchi's actions.
The next twelve hours were the happiest moments in Perturabo's life, in that one moment he had felt a strength and satisfaction that he had never experienced, while Kurosuchi felt a moment of ecstatic happiness, as her heart and mind were filled with a completion that made everything in life just fade away.
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The crew of the Iron blood looked on in concern, as their father walked towards the bridge, this in of itself was nothing different but the state of their genefather made many within the legion concerned to what had happened in the period of isolation their father had requested of them.
'And the status of the ship that moored from our holding dock?' Perturabo asked one of the helmsman chief
'As per your orders father, the ship has translated away from us without any harm done to it. The crew obeyed your command as instructed'
'that is good... tell them they have my thankfulness... they will be given promotions to their standing'
A silence echoed across the room at such words, many within the legion could only look on shocked as their father had actually complemented the work of his sons, to those whom listened it was an alien feeling.
Perturabo ignored the looks as he looked towards his data slates, his mind changing from the information he was given to other, more productive means.
'Umm... father' one of his Iron warriors asked.
'Yes my son?' he said, his tone different then what they usually expected.
'Is it too much to ask... what happened in your resting chambers during that ships visit?'
Perturabo stopped his task, he looked upon the astartes as he was interested in why his son was now curious on his activities, the Iron warrior stood solid, thinking he had done an error and would pay for it with his life, yet nothing of the sort came.
'I would rather not discuss the activities that I partake in my times of meditation... yet such brazen talks would be most concerning if rumours were to circulate... especially ones that I would find... unamusing'
The Iron warrior was ramrod straight, now finding himself teetering upon a path of death for his next actions, yet the elephant in the room that many saw had now reared itself and had to be addressed.
'It's just that... your... smiling... father' The Iron warrior said, his tone cautious.
Perturabo felt with his hand his face, and sure enough the telltale signs of his jaw and face folding in the pattern of smiling was able to be discerned, he realised now why the sudden curious nature of his sons, yet his heart was in a well forgiving mood.
'Yes... yes I am... It is nothing you all must be concerned about... instead we have much to do before our assault of the Sol system and our conquest to Terra... we must use this time wisely'
Shouts of acknowledgement were given across the crew, yet the story of Perturabo smiling would spread across the ship, leading to a rumour mill spreading about what would cause such a rare phenomenon to happen.
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Kurosuchi stood before the praetorian, her face was a visage of calm but inside she was in a state of panic. Upon returning to her flagship her company was requested to return to Terra as per the praetorians request, yet she was escorted through multiple checks and such as a group of Imperial Fist astartes had escorted her to his chamber.
'Kurosuchi' Dorn said, his eyes looking upon her with a deep frown upon his face.
'I have come as requested... my lord' she said, her head bowed yet her hearts were hammering in her chest.
Dorn walked around her, his eyes looking upon her figure as she kneeled within her power armour, yet Kurosuchi could not tell what was happening within the mind of her other master.
This continued for the next five minutes, until the praetorian stood next to her, his hand resting upon her shoulder.
'I know what you had planned' Rogal said, as Kurosuchi felt ice chill her body to the core, her eyes widened as Rogal's hand started to grasp upon her shoulder with increased force.
Power armour provided no resistance as the groans of ceramite echoed across the room, yet through the crushing pressure that Rogal Dorn was applying to her Kurosuchi did not flinch.
'Did you think' Rogal said, his hand pulling away from Kurosuchi, only to grasp at the handle of his mighty chainsword. The massive weapon hanged itself next to Kurosuchi's shoulder, as she looked upon the edged ceramite teeth hovering close to her compromised shoulder. 'You could hide such a thing from myself?'
'Please' Kurosuchi asked, her voice quiet 'I... I just'
'You just what? Tell me this moment why I shouldn't cut you down like the traitor you are Kurosuchi... Tell me exactly why you decided to forsake your duty to convene with traitors?'
The roar of his chainsword was deafening to Kurosuchi, yet her stance did not change, even through the echoes of her hearts were ringing in her ears, even though the true fear of death started to rest their hands upon her, she raised qqqq\q\\\\\\her voice.
'I...I needed to know... I needed to know why' Kurosuchi said, her voice timid as tears started to fall from her eyes.
Dorn looked upon the student he had taught, one whom showed potential beyond his expectations. He knew of the infatuation she had with her brother and his changing personality. In time he had hoped that such a change would be beneficial to the wider Imperium as giving his brother a reason to serve would ensure that any conflicts could be resolved with the soft hand of this bright student.
Yet now, with the fires of civil war. Such a thing would merely be a liability.
'Then... was it worth this? Worth all this blood and death?' Dorn asked, as he raised his weapon above Kurosuchi, whom still continued to cry before him.
'Yes... Yes it is... Because I was told... he did it all... for me'
Dorn paused, his expression hardened as Kurosuchi continued to kneel, his mind digested her words, yet only more questions appeared as he was utterly confused at such a statement.
'Explain' Dorn said, his blade resting next to Kurosuchi, the motor idling as he now had his full attention to the astartes before him.
'Perti' Kurosuchi said, her voice meek within the chamber 'He bartered with Horus... The allegiance of his whole legion was to be given under the condition that...'
'That what?' Dorn said, yet Kurosuchi started to shake as Dorn felt his Ire rise at the hesitation of giving such information.
'TELL ME!' Dorn said, his voice thundering through the chamber, the sound reverberated across the room as Kurosuchi continued to have tears reach upon her eyes, silence greeted the chamber before her voice echoed.
'He gave his allegiance... for the safety of Elementia... of my home' Kurosuchi said, her voice starting to crack as she uttered those words.
Dorn felt struck by such a revelation. He stepped back from the kneeling astartes as he tried to understand such an action. His mind could not possibly imagine why his brother would agree to such a term for such a horrendous act towards the Imperium.
'I... Why would he do such a thing?' Dorn muttered to himself, conflict brewing within his mind at such an error, yet Kurosuchi voice echoed in that moment.
'He did it... because he loves me'
silence echoed across the chamber as Dorn processed the new information he was given, yet he knew now that Kurosuchi was to be an asset for the coming conflict.
Pulling away his chainsword, he stood before her, his face hardened as he looked upon her red, swollen eyes.
'Get up'
Kurosuchi got to her feet slowly, as Dorn looked upon her with an aura of contempt.
'You... will no longer be leading your company during the coming months. All your duties and such will be restricted and will have to go through my scrutiny... you will remain here, until such a time as I find your usefulness inconsequential, then you will rot for the rest of your transhuman life... as a punishment for your crime'
Dorn walked out of the chamber room, where the sounds of Kurosuchi crying echoed, yet in such a time decisions had to be done regardless of such conditions.
Dorn would not let such revelation concern him, for he had a war to win.
Well hello there people. Here with another update.
I won't pull your attention too much, but I am still rather annoyed that FFnet's alert system is down... again
I swear that this is just the administratum all over again with how much this system crumples...
Anyway... till next time