(Chapter 9: Aliens and Matriarchs vs Daemons: Part 1)
The battle between the Khornite horde vs Ben and the Matriarchs would soon unfold, as the daemons of the Lord of Rage were the first to attack in a rampage yet millitant fashion; unleashing fury and martial wrath upon our heroes. However, in the days to follow they were not only able to hold strong against them, but fight through it with immense success given that between the defenses made and hallowed by Ben, Rogal Dorn, Lorna, and Morrigan, to the robotic soldiers they had created.
All of which in tandem with the combined military strategies of the Matriarchs and the Ultimatrix wielder definitely had the Khornite horde on their toes, for what wasa battle that they soon wouldn't forget.
(July 9th, Karakinos, 4:20 Pm, 950. M30)
It would be a sunny July afternoon as Ben alongside Furiosa and Jagahtai who were backed by a battalion of robotic shocktroops were currently battling against one of the Khornite hordes in the cityscape in a furious clash.
"Jaghatai, I got daemons coming towards you at 7 o'clock." Arcticguana told the White Scars Matriarch as he launched another wave of cold that froze a modest score of the eldritch horde
"Understood, how are you and Furiosa handling things on your end, Tennyson?" Jaghatai Khan questioned through the com-llink as she sliced through a dozen daemons on her hoverbike
"Better than I thought. Turns out that we've got a good system going, and man is Furiosa a full-on menace right now. Never did I think chainsaw-axes would be this strong, but…I am pleasantly surprised." Articguana told her as Furiosa alongside the more close-quarters battle-droids tore through the Khornite horde like a living wheat-thresher
"I will admit, Furiosa is much more effective without the Nails constantly driving her to reckless fury. But nonetheless, Tennyson. Continue the charge, the metal soldiers and I shall continue to ride and eviscerate these abominations of the Warp." The White Scars Matriarch spoke over the com-link before returning to her high-speed calvary charge against the otherworldly opposition
'Man these Matriarchs are something else.' Arcticguana thought as he rushed into the fray
The massive form of the Polar Manzardill was practically crushing his opposition into frozen detritus with the strength of a giant iceberg on all fours, slamming into them with his massive forelimbs, breaking bones with his tail, or running across buildings and the like to breathe out streams of arctic frost that on nigh contact froze the daemons of Khorne in place. Leaving them open for Furiosa and the battle-droids that wielded weapons that ranged from arm-mounted chainswords, electrified axes and gravity hammers, to shoulder-mounted gauss cannons and plasma cannons; that they proceeded to leave nothing short of decimation in their wake.
As the daemons in question were able to take down some of the battle-drones supporting Furiosa, who was a relentless juggernaut of focused might; that cleaved and shredded anything in her warpath, that it did little to hamper the advance of them in their entirety. Given that even as they managed to defeat the metal soldiers whilst Ben would refocus and adapt to either swarm them so as to swifter destroy their enemy, or adapt so as to render the tactics used to kill them null and void in its entirety.
This combined with Articguana breathing out swaths of frigid energy in freeze, corral, and immobilize them to make them better targets for the combination of Furiosa and his battle droids; whilst Jaghatai's high-speed calvary force were quickly making their way to reinforce their position…That being said, as their advance continued in what was complete mayhem that for the first time in a long time Furiosa was able to enjoy the rush of combat, not as a wild raging berserker, but with the skill of a masterful warrior forged in the gladiator pits.
Yet this would not last for long, given that Furiosa was forced to cut a mortar-blast of metal and blood-soaked bone that streaked toward, as a trio of Doom Blasters were stampeding their way toward Furiosa as they crushed the mechanical soldiers underfoot while raiinng down heavy mortars with near reckless abandon. All of which was led by a Blood Reaper who helped to equalize the advance of the mechanized infattry; with its near relentless salvos of autocannon and flamer fire, which Furiosa and Articguana were both quick to take notice of, and leap into action against.
With Arcticguana creating an ice wall to stop the advance of the Blood Reaper before turning into Upchuck and using his adhesive tongues to grab as many of the sundered remains of his ruined soldiers, as well as the debris around him to ingest it; to the confusion of Furiosa. Before unleashing it in a near semi-truck sphere of explosive vomit at the Blood Reaper with such force that it blew the Daemon Engine in question to literal bits, sending metal and shrapnel spraying about the battlefield in a disgusting display.
All the while Furiosa closed in on the Doom Blasters advancing towards her and began to hack and cleave at it with Gorechild and Gorefather in what could only be described as an avalanche of overhand swings; that reduced it to shredded metal and daemonic scrap in little under a minute. Meanwhile, Upchuck was quite literally bouncing about the battlefield, as he used his adhesive tongues in a moment of 'fuck it let's see where this goes' to devour the mortar batteries of one of the Doom Blasters; which on one hand worked to his success in disabling it.
But due to him not being used to devouring the otherworldly war-machines; when expelling them out, instead did so in the form of projectile vomit-like napalm that sent him streaking about the battlefield; acidicly incinerating Bloodletters, Flesh Hounds, and the occasional score of Bloodcrushers into roiling sludge. All before stopping and deciding to after the head-rush of doing so to once more eat another one of the mortar batteries of a Doom Blaster to again propel himself as a streak of napalm-like projectile vomit across the battlefield.
The sight being enough to momentarily give pause to the World Eaters Matriarch, at how someone could be so effective and yet so wildly strange in the ways of combat that she would give further credit where it was due that his ways of fighting were as successful as they were at times strange to witness. With her thoughts being cut short once the small green alien bumped into her after stopping his propelled fight, but not before devouring slabs of concrete and metal like Kit-Kat bars to once again hurl another sphere or energized vomit at a score of Khornite Daemons.
"I will say this much, you are certainly unconventional as a warrior. I doubt any of us would think to do something that...strange." Furiosa spoke whilst impaling a Flesh Hound on her chainsaw-axes that cut through them like melted butter
"If it works, it works." Upchuck replied before turning into Diamondhead
"By the way, how much longer do you think until Jaghatai is done on her end?...For the fastest of you guys, she sure is taking her sweet time catching up." Diamondhead joked as he turned one of his arms into a flanged mace to cave in the skull of a Bloodletter
"It should not take her much longer to rally to our side as planned. The Kahn is many things, but slow to join the battle she is not." Furiosa replied as she and Diamondhead both impaled a Flesh Hound with their respective weapons
"Until she arrives, let us clear her a path with their bodies!" Furiosa roared as Diamondhead leaped into action alongside her
From there on the fight continued with Furiosa and Diamondhead continuing to lead the charge, with Diamondhead clobbering anything in sight with his crystalline mace and falchon hands that battered enemies with extreme force, whilst summoning forth a trio of crystalline cobras to surge forward and crush, constrict and bite through their otherworldly opposition. Where upon seeing the constructs in action, Furiosa hopped upon one of them to ride upon and use it to expedite her slaying of the Daemons with Gorefather and Gorechild, all the while Diamondhead would create crystalline pillars to hurtle himself forwards to wipe out scores of daemons before creating another to move onto the next.
With the duo in tandem being able to with the aid of their mechanical infantry, now that the Daemonic war-machines were dealt with; were able to once more continue their offensive against the Khornite horde to great effect. Something that was aided further by Diamondhead summoning forth gnarled spires of teal-colored crystal to explode into meter-long spikes to impale the daemons and stop them in their tracks, returning them back to their wrathful master within the Warp.
However, as the Khornite Horde continued to fight with endless reserves of dogged persistence, they soon noticed that they wre being cut down swifter than ever, as in the space between a blink and a tear would dozens of their numbers vanish in flashes of carnage; whilst blurs of white and red sped by them. Wherein Diamondhead after summoning up another trio of spiked spires saw their calvarous support in the form of Jaghatai and her mechanical soldiers on speeder bikes either cutting down their opposition with chain-glaives and chainaxes, or shooting them down with mounted Gauss Cannons, as the Matriarch howled in excitement.
As such it would be on both ends that the Daemons found themselves boxed in, by Jaghatai and her mechanical calvary, on top of Furiosa, Diamondhead and their mechanized infantry; that what was a glorious battle for the daemons was soon turned into a swift slaughter on both ends. Wherein it was soon made clear that the ice and crystal had confined them into their current situation of a sequestered meatgrinder, for no escape could be had had as they were wiped out within a matter of minutes.
So…after what felt like hours of tireless battle had soon ended with Furiosa, The Kahn, and Diamondhead amongst the scattered remains of the Daemons as they were returned to the Warp and their sundered war machines. As such after doing another sweep of the area for any Daemons that were stragglers or waiting in the wings for an ambush, did Ben send away his mechanized soldiers away to the hangar portion of his workshop; while he returned back to normal.
"This went a lot better than what I thought it would have." Ben spoke
"I agree, this was an enjoyable battle. Thanks to you, we were able to overcome these abominations faster than expected…Truth be told, you would do well in either of our legions or with the Machine Priests on Mars." The Kahn told the shorter man
"All I know is that the faster we take care of these things. Then the faster I can get back to working on our getting out of here with Perturabo…Also, what the hell are machine priests?!" Ben said back in seeing it as just that simple
"To put it simply they are a strange and odd sort that worship their precious machine god to no end. It is as disturbing, as it is a gross annoyance to deal with. That being said they are nonetheless incredibly proficeint in the creation of machines and weaponry." Furiosa spoke in never truly liking the Adeptus Mechanicus due to their obsession with their beloved Omnisiah and their desire to become mechanical-hybrids
"They are one of the factions of the Imperium that you would be better advised to stay away from. Unless you prefer to slice off your flesh for cybernetics and worship their Omnissiah." Jaghatai Kahn added
"No, I'm good. I rather like my flesh where it is, on and inside of me where it belongs." Was Ben's immediate reply
"But other than weird machine clerics, let's call it for tonight and head back to your guys' base. I'm sure that the others have finished things on their end." Ben spoke as he turned into XLR8
"Good idea. Furiosa, do you wish for me to give you a ride back?" Jaghatai Kahn asked her fellow Matriarch
"I do not see a reason to pass on the offer. However, once this is over I want to have a duel against you. I have been training to better myself as a warrior alongside Ben, and under Sekhmet's help…I wish to see how far I have come in these few months." Furiosa answered back as the Kahn gave a broad grin
"Consider your request granted. Now that you are no longer a raging giant of a woman, and have your wits about you. I am curious to see the difference of your skill, Furiosa." The Kahn answered back as Furiosa got aboard the hoverbike
"As am I." Was Furiosa's response as the trio raced off into the night
(3 days later, Matriarch Base, 2:40 Pm, July 12th, 950. M30)
In the following days after said battle, Ben was alongside Perturabo, Furiosa ,Sekhmet, and Morganna the Red in discussing how to further proceed in their fight against the Khornite hordes on the planet.
"As well as we are doing against the Daemons, I want to still make sure that things are operating well. One moment of weakness or chink in our armor, and we are fucked." Sekhmet spoke
"Therefore, I would like everyone's reports on how we are proceeding so far." Sekhmet added
"I will go first…In regards to our defenses against our opposition, we have not only sustained minimal losses, but our artillery, armaments, vehicles, and the Scrap Guards as Ben has taken to calling them; continue to operate at peak performance." Perturabo reported to the Luna Wolves Matriarch
"Good, and what about the war-machines we were able to salvage from the daemons? Have you or Ben managed to find out anything in regards to that?" Sekhmet inquired wondering how that was to be
"Other than they're being clearly infused with a daemonic presence, and being strikingly similar to Imperium infantry. There is nothing else to note about them. It is both disturbing and curious that they are able to build war-machines that could even match the standards of even our legions." Perturabo answered back with disgust at how creatures of the Warp were able to build distorted mockeries of their weapons of war
"I had noticed the same thing when Ben, the Kahn and I had fought against them. There infantry and artillery were while in a theme of blood and carnage, were no doubt of a similar make to what could be seen on the battlefields by our Legions. A twisted imitation, but an effective one all the same." Furiosa commented on the subject
"Hmmm, it seems that Ben's prior comments on our current oppositions' learning and adapting to us; holds far more weight now than ever. If they are able to do this, then there is no telling what else they have managed to make mockery of." Sekhmet questioned
"It could be a lot worse, since what's next, them making their own versions of your Legions?" Ben asked as the eyes of the Matriarchs in the room widened in horror at the grim possibility of such a thing
"...Did…Did I say something wrong?" Ben asked once more looking at the dour expressions of those in the room
"No, not at all. It is moreso that the thought of these abominations finding a way to replicate the strength of our Legions. Is a disasterous thought, one that until now we wouldn't have even spared the potential of." Sekhmet answered back although the reality of those words carried a sinister weight to them
"But the possibility of it is one that is all too real. If they are capable of adapting to us in the manner of militarized tactics, and creating their own weapons of war. Then it is not too far outside of the realm of possibility, Sekhmet. The Warp is a strange and curious place; that we have not yet fully explored. What is to say that they have not already started delving into possibility of such things." Morganna the Red said to her sisters who wanted to refute such a thing but given the state of the Warp itself and what they were facing those words held gravitas to them
"If that is indeed the case, then we will need to mark an investigation of this all our own…We have underestimated the forces within the Warp for many years, and now it is coming back to bite us." Sekhmet spoke knowing this would merit further diving into
"Then once we return to Terra and our Legions, we will have to begin a great deal of research and work towards this endeavor. I trust that I will have your assistance with this, Ben?" Perturabo spoke looking toward the Ultimatrix wielder
"Hey, I am ready for just about anything. All I need is the tools to get stuff started, and from there I will be ready to help in any way I can." Ben told the Iron Warriors Matriarch
"Good, even though my mechanical prowess exceeds even the Mechanicum. I have the suspicion that we will need all hands, to make this venture possible. The Warp is as Morganna has said, a strange and alien place that we do not fully understand in its entirety. Which is why we must take every measure needed to make sure that when this is done, that we fully understand the scope of what we are up against, I refuse to be made a fool by these abominations in any capacity; when they can be overcome just as anything else we have faced." Perturabo spoke in refusal to let herself be made a mockery by anyone or anything especially by malformed abominations
"You will have my assistance as well, Perturabo. After all, who better than I the most skilled at Warpcraft among us; to assist in these matters." Morganna the Red added in kind
"It is very much appreciated…Maybe together we can find a way to truly put a dent in these things, for good. I grow tired of them coming back without consequence." Perturabo replied
"That is good to see that our enemy has motivated the two of you to the pursuit of ending them all the further. Speaking of…Morganna, how have things on the front of you and Lorna finding a way to further wound and debilitate them?" Sekhmet said back as she shifted attentions over to the one-eyed Matriarch
"They have gone surprisingly well. As it stands,the idea of using Lorna's faith to create these wards to weaken the Daemons and even repel them. It has actually begun a surprising development in our sister." Morganna the Red spoke
"What is the development in question?" Sekhmet asked back
"It turns out that Lorna is a latent Psyker, and a surprisingly powerful one at that. All that was needed to tap into this latent strength of hers', was the catalyst of directing her faith and convictions towards the enemy in earnest." Morganna the Red answered with an excited smile
"Really…This is honestly quite the revelation to hear, I would not have figured that Lorna would have the potential to be a Psyker." Sekhmet spoke legitimately surprised by this information
"I would not have expected this from her either, Sekhmet. While she is great company and a source of comfort, she is not exactly the most martially adept of us all." Furiosa added in equal surprise
"Believe she is quite powerful. Just yesterday she turned a companies' worth of those abominations to dust with a blast of radiance so bright, it may as well have come from the sun itself…It was truly remarkable, and to think she is not even properly trained in the ways of wielding such powers." Morganna the Red spoke with genuine pride in her sister
"Which is why, with enough time we may be able to pull off something that can further help us against these abominations of the Warp." Morganna the Red further spoke
"What do you have in mind? Any solution that can help put an end to this quickly, is more than welcome." Sekhmet questioned her fellow Matriarch
"With my help, I believe we could not only en masse weaken the entirety of these Daemons, but also mass banish them back into the Warp. Potentially, to the further reaches of the Warp, all we need is time to prepare and in practice we can tip the scales even further in our favor." Morganna the Red answered back with measured excitement of her idea
"If you fully believe that this can work, then I want both you and Lorna to get to work on this immediately. This alongside your other duties in reinforcing our barriers, and defending against the hordes are now your priority." Sekhmet ordered of the powerful Psyker
"Do not worry, my sister. When the time comes for this to be put into practice, we shall not fail you. If anything I am all the more excited than anything else, to mentor Lorna in harnessing her powers…With potential as strong as hers, I have no doubt that once she fully comes into her own; she will be nothing short of incredible." Morganna the Red replied absolutely ecstatic to do so
Given that for one of the few positive things to come from being stranded on this planet, was that she could finally mentor one of her sisters in the harnessing of the immense power of the Warp, and now with the ideas from Ben on the spellcraft and magic of his time, the one-eyed Psyker was practically giddy of what she and Lorna could do together.
"That is all well and good, and I am sure that after this is over. You and Lorna both will have much to discuss in the manner of her faith-based powers, and their relation to her strength as a newly-found Psyker." Sekhmet spoke as Morganna the Red couldn't help but be absolutely ecstatic of what she had yet to plan
"Now then, on the subject of Ben and Furiosa. How is our frontal assaults against the enemy coming? I can assume that with your almost unreal level of combat synchronicity; that the two of you have faired well against them?" Sekhmet further spoke as she turned towards the two in question
"To be honest, we are just absolutely crushing it. Between Furiosa just being a powerhouse in general, my Scrap Guards crushing it as our foot soldiers and support, on top of what I can do with my aliens. We are just punishing these guys to where its not even funny when we beat 'em up!" Ben said to the Luna Wolves Matriarch
"That is quite wonderful news to hear from you. I had assumed with the reports from Konstance and the Kahn; that you two have done a remarkable job against them. But with this news in mind, it is one of the highlights of my day to know this information…Well done, Tennyson and to you as well Furiosa." Sekhmet replied
"I told you from the start that when I agreed to help you guys, that I would get things done for you…I am a man of my word, when it comes to getting things done." Ben told the Matriarch in question
"If ever your abilities were put into question. Yours and Furiosa's have been nothing if not impressive." Sekhmet spoke finding the Ultimatrix wielder to be nothing if not a wondrous oddity
"It is because of him, that I am able to fight to my fullest. Now that I have clarity and focus on my side, I know that now I cannot be stopped in the arena of combat…By the time we are returned to our Legions, I have no doubt that my strength and skill will be far greater than what it once was." Furiosa said to her sisters with a confidence in herself that shone now that she was no longer constantly enraged or in pain
"It is nice to see this version of yourself, as I never thought I would see the day; where you could express yourself without fury coloring every sentence. The changes in you since you have recovered both mentally and physically have been nothing short of wonderful to see. Even moreso, when you are the most focused I have seen you in combat." Sekhmet spoke as she reached to put a hand on one of Furiosa's broad shoulders
"In no simple words am I happy to see you as you currently are, and I cannot wait to see what more you can become...I am proud of you, now more than ever." Sekhmet added with a genuine smile on her face
"Thank you…to be honest now that I am far more mentally stable. I feel as though something in me has become to connect. Almost as though everything is finally aligning into place, that now the world comes to me in greater clarity than what I could ever imagine…Now that i am changing for the better, and have true control of myself, I now know that the strength of what I am as a warrior is beginning to be fully realized." Furiosa spoke in with the absence of the Buchters' Nails felt something within her begin to lock into place as though the shackles of what was and what would've been had vanished and given way to strength unbound
"And wherever these changes lead, I will be happy to help you walk toward. As I am sure many of us will be, you are deserving of that much." Sekhmet replied
"Given that you are far more pleasant to be around. I no longer see the reason to keep you at arms length, just make sure you do not destroy my things; should the feeling of anger arise…Otherwise, I will cave your chest in." Perturabo spoke in her roundabout way of support toward the World Eaters Matriarch
"Now that you are free of your affliction from those rotten nails. You have my support in wherever these changes lead you in what is to come…Who knows, perhaps with this you may finally manifest a latent strength similar to Lorna's in due time." Were the thoughtful words of the Thousand Sons Matriarch
"You already know how I feel Furiosa. I may not know you as long as everyone else has, but I know that your a firecracker of a woman who can do some pretty awesome things. You just need help getting to where you need to go in life, and I am more than happy to help. So whatever you need to be awesome in life, I have no problem with helping out in." Ben added
"Thank you, Thank you all for your kind words…this means more to me than you would know." Furiosa spoke as an involuntary sniffle came about as she felt the outpouring of positive emotions toward her
"Hey, everyone here has your back. All you have to do is ask for it, and we'll be here when you need something." Ben assured her as he put a hand on her arm
"Again, your words are appreciated…Excuse me, I..I need a moment to myself. I need to sort out a few things that have been on my mind." Furiosa spoke as the positive emotions were an overwhelming experience as she felt her dormant ability to sense and even take in emotions kick in to a greater extent than ever before
"I will go to see what is wrong with her." Morganna the Red spoke as she went to follow Furiosa as she excused herself
"I think that this will be a good stopping point for the time being." Sekhmet said in seeing that things were growing hectic
"Understood." Was Perturabo's response
"Wait a minute, Perturabo. Before you go, I do have something to give you." Ben said to the Matriarch
"What is it? The Queen of Iron asked as Ben began to rummage through his bag
"It's a weapon I've been working on for you, I know it may not be much but I wanted to make sure you had something as awesome as you are." Ben told the Matriarch as he handed her a large ornate double-edged greatsword with a golden handle with a basket hilt
"I call it Judgment Day, and I hope you like it since it has some cool tricks I put in for you. I wanted make sure it was perfect for you, since everything you do looks so stinkin' cool, that I figured…Hey why not make the awesome lady who makes cool machines, and gets how great it is to make things a sword that's just as cool." Ben spoke as she took the massive greatsword in hand
"I don't know what to say, this looks incredible." Perturabo said as the Power Claymore in question was something that was astounding all on its own
"That's not all it is…twist the handle to the right and you'll see what I'm talking about." Ben told the Iron Warrior's Matriarch who complied
Wherein upon doing so, she watched as the Claymore shifted into a hand-held cross between a Melta Cannon and a Lascannon; wherein the blade retracted and focused into axe-like blades as a large pearl white barrel formed from the center that hummed with immense power. The body of the Claymore itself being further revealed to take the form of the heavy-duty beam-rifle; where the handle folded outwards to form the stock and split open to form a sturdy handle and trigger.
"It fires concentrated plasma that's strong enough to punch through a starships' hull in one go. It also continuously absorbs ambient energy, and the energy of enemy attacks; so that you'll always have 16 shots to go around…If you twist it to the right, it turns into an energy chaingun that shoots enough rounds to shred an enemy infantry to ribbons in seconds; that contains enough rounds to be comparable to those autocannons of yours you've told me about while we work together." Ben said with pride in his creation as Perturabo twisted it counter-clockwise and it returned to its bladed form
"This…This is impeccable workmanship, this is almost on par with something that Vulkan herself would craft. I'm almost speechless at this gift…you did not have to go out of your way to create this." Perturabo replied almost without words at the sudden gift
"Like I said, I think you guys are some pretty awesome people. So I wanted to make you some stuff that's as great as I know you are on the inside." Ben said back as a genuine smile of appreciation spread across Perturabo's face
"Thank you, Tennyson. I will put this to great use in the battles ahead. My gratitude for your crafting of my new weapon cannot yet be put into words. However, rest assured that I will repay you for this kindness, as swiftly as possible, on my honor as both a fellow craftsman and as a Matriarch I swear it." Perturabo spoke borderline overjoyed that someone would think of her in such kindness that it took her years of self-control not to blush from being gifted something out of pure kindness
"You don't have to do any of that for me. Just keep being the awesome lady I know you are, and be kinder to yourself, and we're pretty much even." Ben told the Matriarch whose smile widened with determination as well as joy
"That much I can do…you are far kinder than you should be, Tennyson. That is both a great strength and a very exploitable weakness in the Imperium." Perutabo said as she held Judgment Day in her hands
"Fair, but I'll cross that bridge when I get to it. For now, I want you to have fun with your new gift, I'm gonna rest up before we go out and do another battle later on…By the way, your an awesome lady Perturabo, don't let anyone tell you lesser." Ben replied as he went off elsewhere to catch up on his sleep
"Hmmm, perhaps you truly are something special Ben Tennyson. You have my thanks in abundance for this." Perturabo spoke as she went to test out her new weapon in full
(Ultramar, The following day, 8:10 Pm, July 13th, 950. M30)
Meanwhile, as the following night would come as a weary Minerva Guilliman who had been visited upon by Sanguinius who was taking a brief break from the search of her sisters, and to regroup and see it her fellow Matriarch had many progress was on the home planet of the Ultramarines. However, as Minerva went to check on her fellow Matriarch she saw an unusually frazzled Sanguinius in the courtyard of her home, her wings fluttering as if in agitation and her eyes wide as they danced rapidly.
"Sanguinius, is everything alright? You looked as though you were in the middle of a particularly intense vision…One that was causing you a manner of distress by the looks of it." Minerva Guiliman questioned as the angelic woman shook herself to focus upon her sister
"S-Sorry, Minerva. I was in the midst of a vision and it was a particularly strong one. I cannot explain what was happening in it, only that ever since these strange warp storms have begun. That my visions have become more intense, almost lifelike as though I am able interact with them in real-time." Sanguinius answered wiping the unnervingly cold sheet of sweat from her face
"I can tell, what was it this time?" Minerva Guilliman asked as she pulled out a seat for her fellow Matriarch
"It was more visions of that man I told you about; that I continue to see in my visions. Only this time, what we were up against was made that much clearer…Which frightens me, incredibly." Sanguinius answered as she took her seat
"What was it that you saw, and who else was there?" The Ultramarines Matriarch questioned
"It was that man with the strange gauntlet, myself, Furiosa, Konstance, Fulgrim, Lorna, all fighting against these strange Daemons; with the assistance of those from our legions. It was hard to tell what was going on, as it felt as though I was there for far longer than what should even be possible." Sanguinus told the ever-composed blonde before her
"We were fighting against these horrid abominations; caught in the throes of lustful acts so perverse that I dare not say, for how sickening and debauched they were. Their forms both beautiful and horrific to look at, to the point I didn't know whether I was to be repulsed or in awe. But among that and so many more excesses as we tore our way through that domain, what I saw is what brought surprised me to the point of shocked silence." Sanguinius further spoke as even still
"What did you witness that caused you to break into a cold sweat, and your wings in state that it looked as though you had come out of a aerial dogfight?...Something to this magnitude should be known, so that we may prepare for it." Minerva Guiliman questioned once more while taking mental notes of what was
"I saw Fulgrim wielding her sword and another broadsword that cracked with lightning, whilst Morganna and Lorna bound it in chains or arcana and otherworldly light, and that strange man took the form of a giant made of fire, solar flame and molten rock to aid in it. As our sister tore it to ribbons with such fury; that it was rendered nothing but putrid sludge, and yet it was something so vastly different that it looked as though she had become transcendent…In fact all of us had become as such whilst Fulgrim in doing that feat of martial fury and grace; had caused the realm to collapse with that entity's death."Sanginuius replied in description of the life-like vision that felt almost unreal in its vividness
"Transcendent how? I know that we are capable of great things, but it sounds as though you are talking of her having evolved into a higher state of being." Minerva Guillman spoke in feeling that this was something that was more Morganna's field of expertise
"That is where I cannot explain it further. Only that, we had become evolved in our own ways. Furiosa having become a giant of crimson red, with the horns of a great ram upon her head, and the wings of a great dragons' springing from her back. Fulgrim's hair became a mane of wild violet lightning, pale phoenix wings of Warp-flame and lightning sprang from her back, as her armor looked more angelic in its creation. Morganna herself was wreathed in a cloak of arcane and eldritch symbols, with 6 arms in tandem that weaved spells of Warpcraft so unreal; that even our father would hold envy at its might; while she had both her eyes and even a 3rd upon her brow." Sanguinius told her fellow Matriarch at some of the altered forms of her sisters
"I could go on in further detail, as we slayed this…debauched thing that only writhed in lewd ecstasy as he felled it into its death-throes, and it mocking us all the same with obscenities that made white-hot bile rise in my throat. That as we did so, that things were made right in our victory as whatever it was called…This entity that was neither man, nor woman, but only in its immensity was it something beyond any Daemon of the Warp that we have faced thus far in our battles across the galaxy. That it was immeasurably more powerful than any daemon; greater or lesser… this…this thing felt cosmic in the sheer scope of what we had fought; in my vision." Sanguinius spoke as even now she felt immensely small after what she had witnessed as though she was less than a drop in the cosmic ocean of the Warp
"Did you manage to find out this entity's name?" The Ultramarines Matriach queried
"No, unfortunately I was unable to do so. Everything was moving faster than anything I perceive, and yet paradoxically felt as though I were in real-time; fighting against the hordes of this realm of excess perversions." Sanguinius answered back
"But what I do know, in the wake of these more intense visions, Minerva. That this man with green eyes and the ability to transform into creatures I have not seen nor heard of…That he is a recurring theme within them." Sanguinius further spoke as a thoughtful look was on the Avenging Daughter's face
"While I am not a seer or an accomplished Psyker as Morganna. What I can say from your visions is that whoever this man is, has some major role to play in defeating the forces of Chaos that reside within the Warp…The only problem is, is that non one within the Imperium proper matches that description. At least not to my current knowledge." Minerva Guiliman replied
"Whoever they may be, I would only hope to know of them all the more quickly. If they are such a strong subject within my visions, then I would like the chance to meet them, and see firsthand who or what they are capable of." Sanguinius said back
With Sanguinius wanting to know firsthand to see what the subject of her recent slew of visions was like as a person, given that if they were as capable and or formidable as her visions were implying; then they would be a great asset overall to not only putting a stop to the Daemonic hordes overall. But also as a powerful ally in what was to come in the future that lay beyond The Great Crusade, given that even when the Crusade itself would end; there would still be the matter of the rising Necrons and the Orks to deal with in due time.
"As do I, if only to assess who we are dealing with." Minerva Guilliman spoke
"Agreed…Thank you for checking on me, Minerva. I did not mean to disturb you, it is just that between our sisters being who knows where in the galaxy, in addition to these new visions. That it is all a lot to deal with as a whole." Sanguinius thanked the almost tomboyish Matriarch before her
"Think nothing of it, Sanguinius. You are my sister, although we may not have been raised together. You are nonetheless someone I do care for, and as such I treat with the same respect and care as anyone in my family." The Avenging Daughter told the angelic woman who smiled softly at those words
"I appreciate it, Minerva. Hopefully, I will be able to get a good nights' rest for the night. These recent visions have been rather taxing." Sanguinius spoke with a small yawn
"Agreed, I will be glad when this mess concerning our missing sisters is dealt with. The Imperium has been thrown into an ever-growing amount of disarray since…There is only so much that can be done with over half of our sisters gone to no longer lead their Legions." Minerva Guilliman replied despising the logistical nightmare that it had been
"As will I, Minerva. But I will hold out hope nonetheless that we will find our sisters. We will prevail sooner rather than later, I know it." Sanguinius spoke with a smile of genuine hope on her angelic face
"I genuinely hope so, otherwise the Great Crusade will be severely hampered, and that is the last thing any of need to have happen…For now, however, let us retire for the night. It is getting late and I would rather nowt put further stress upon myself than what is needed." Minerva Guilliman replied as Sanguinius nodded in silent agreement before joining her sister in much needed rest
However, as the two headed into the home of the Ultramarines Matriarch, one would be remiss if they did not notice that the color of Sanguinius's wings were turning from the normal stark-white, to a brilliant shade of metallic blood red…while not immediately noticeable there were patches of it beginning to form across her majestic wings.
(2 days later, Karakinos, 9:15 Pm, M30. 950, July 15th)
Meanwhile, on Karakinos; Ben and Konstance Kurze had finished decimating the latest wave of Khornite daemons, wherein the combination of XLR8 and Swampfire, as well as Konstance's terrifying proficiency in not only close-quarters but also at hit and run tactics and direct combat; made for a surprising victory.
"Man, you really are something else in a fight Konstance. I'm pretty sure you could give Leona's moody ass a problem if you really wanted too." XLR8 spoke to the Night Lords Matriarch who grinned almost maliciously at the compliment
"Leona may think herself a noble knight and even fights as one, no doubt. But she is nothing against someone who knows how to truly exploit weakness in others. Her nobility as well as her refusal to fully unleash upon her enemies, to keep the guise of a stoic crusader is and always will be her weakness…I on the otherhand have no such weakness." Konstance Kurze replied with pride in her prowess as a warrior
"Besides, ruthlessness and doing what is needed be it impaling your enemies on your baldes or tearing them apart; when they cannot see nor hear your footsteps. That is what wins the day, assuring that your enemies do not have a chance to turn the tide against you in any capacity…The only regret that I have, is that these daemons do not feel fear…if they do then they conceal it well." Konstance Kurze further spoke
"To each their own. But even still, its great to see that we're crushing it. Since these guys are pretty tough, I'll give 'em that much." XLR8 replied in seeing these Daemons in the same was a DNAliens just with less parasitic body-horror involved
"Be that as it may, your Xenos forms continue to prove invaluable against them. It is almost unreal of what you are able to accomplish with them, in live combat…In fact, some of them would do well alongside me when my Legions and I go to take worlds for the Imperium." Konstance Kurze spoke in seeing Ben's aliens playing well into the terror tactics employed by her Legion
"Hey, if you ever want me to do some horror movie shenanigans with my aliens, or in general. All you have to do is ask, and I will be more than happy to deliver…Just because I'm a hero, doesn't mean I can't be a total menace too every now and again." XLR8 replied much to the humor of Konstance Kurze
"I will admit, it is rather humorous to see that despite your years as a superhero, a war-hero, and soldier to your people. That you can remain light-hearted in the face of so many threats around you." Konstance Kurze said back in finding the unhinged and light-heartedness of the Ultimtrix wielder to be rather uplifting in its own way
"I am just really good at handling stuff that goes on. Granted my mental everything is probably fried, from how much I've seen over the years. But when your dealing with all the crazy alien stuff that I have, for nearly 20 years straight. You can either go crazy and let the weight of what goes around crush you, and bring you to your knees if you let it." XLR8 spoke with a broad smile
"Or you can run with it and run head first into the fuckery, and say screw it if I'm gonna go out. Then I'm gonna go out guns blazing, and do it my way, and be a kickass hero while I do it! I'd rather fight with all the craziness and hell that comes with what I go up against, for better or for worse; than let whatever may come change me into anything other than…well me." XLR8 added in having long since decided that he would rather run into the madness that came with being a superhero than run from it
"Your outlook towards being a hero; is something to be admired. If anything, I wish that I had even a fraction of your positivity and high spirits when I was growing up on Nostramo…Had I had that, then I feel as though I would have been able to bring my home-planet into a better state than the dismal one it is now." Konstance Kurze said almost in envy of Ben's ability to reamin in high spirits
"Trust me, keeping myself going when things are dire…it isn't easy. But I keep doing it; because I want to inspire others to be heroes like myself. I do it, because at the end of the day, I know that I will always have something to come back too. But more importantly, I do it because regardless of the praise, the glory of the glamor that comes with it. I just genuinely like to fight bad guys and do my thing protecting people; from the guy that works at the grocery store to people with powers like me…I just like to fight and help defend and avenge." XLR8 replied as he put a clawed hand on Konstance's armored arm
"Do you think that I can become a superhero like you someday?...I know that as I am that I have a long, long, long way to go; before I can be considered one, much less one that inspires others to take up the mantle…However, I have hope; however small it is that with you by my side, that it can be accomplished and perhaps so much more." Konstance Kurze said back with a hopeful smile on her scarred face
"For one, I can't really say that you can be a hero like me. Since everyone is a different hero all-together, when they start trying to be one…But what I do know is that, once we work together and help you get your own thing going as one. That I have no doubt in my mind, that you'll be one of the best superheroes to ever do it! Heck, once all this Great Crusade stuff is over; they might even start making comic books about how cool you are!" XLR8 spoke with complete faith in what could be in Konstance as a hero
"I do not know what a comic book is, but I appreciate your faith in me, Ben. Your continued hope in my ability to become a better person, is something that I never thought I would find in others…Beyond Fulgrim, you are truly the only other since becoming a leader of my Legion to place faith in me." Konstance Kurze replied happy to have another show support for her in earnest
"Why wouldn't I?! You might be super intense some times, but I know that under all of you being pure Black Air Force energy, every time we fight together. That you are a wonderful woman to be around, Konstance Kurze. All anyone needs to do is take the time to know you, for what you can be, and they'll see a wonderful, wonderful pretty woman like I do." XLR8 said back with a reptillian smile
"You…You actually think that I'm beautiful?" Konstance Kurze asked
"Yeah, I don't see why I wouldn't? Your a nearly 9 foot tall super-gorgeous goth lady who could probably crush me with her thighs. How could I not think you're absolutely gorgeous, and other things I won't say, because I don't wanna go…too far down that lane of thinking just yet." XLR8 blurted out as Konstance couldn't help but smile
"We can revisit that line of thought after everything has settled down. I would not mind getting to know you in a more...intimate manner, once the threat of the Daemons has been dealt with." Konstance Kurze replied not minding the idea
"Wait, really?" XLR8 asked as they continued to move about the area to rendezvous with Lorna
"Yes, we are both adults and I have not known the touch of a man. So if need-be, I will not mind knowing what the comfort of another feels like. Especially, when it is with someone who makes me feel…" Konstance Kurze replied as she took a moments' pause to better compose her thoughts
"With someone who makes me feel, as though I can truly be loved. That is if you are willing that is? I will not force you to do anything intimate if you are not ready or willing to do the same." Konstance Kurze further spoke with a sincere smile at the thought of being such things with another
For the last thing that the Night Haunter would want is to force Ben to do any intimate deeds with her, when he was neither ready nor consenting too it, with her having seen more than her fair share of vile deeds on Nostramo that repulsed her in seeing others being made victims of others lusts, and as such refused to do the same to any other. All in knowing that if she ever did so, that she was undeserving of being able to exact justice on the wicked and corrupt, it she engaged in the same acts of the maggots she despised on her home-planet on the many planets she had taken in the name of the Emperor.
"Let's cross that bridge later. Believe me, I'm more than happy to do those kinds of things…since being a hero doesn't leave much for that kind of thing. So if your ever good to do that kind of stuff, all you have to do is say something." Was the Ultimatrix wielders reply
"That sounds…nice. For now, we should meet with Lorna and Branwen on where we should make our next assault. The tide is in our favor, let us not waste the opportunities that have been given too us." Konstance Kurze said back
"Good point, let's go we've still got a good chunk of the way to go before we reach 'em." XLR8 spoke as he tapped the Ultimatrix to show a map of how much further they had to go before their destination
"Very well, let us be quick about it. The faster this is dealt with, the swifter we can return to knowing each other for the better." Konstance Kurze spoke as she raced off at great speeds matching Kickin' Hawk or Fasttrack's own
"Say what you want, but Konstance definitely is something when she gets determined." XLR8 said to himself as he rushed alongside the Night Lords Matriarch
And so with the battle against the Khornite hordes having begun among other such plots in mind, as they plan to further destroy their otherworldly opposition, Sanguinius continues to have visions of a potential future concerning our resident Ultimatrix wielder; ones of such intensity that she foresees the potential felling of one of the Ruinous Powers. How will such things proceed as Ben alongside the Matriarchs continue to lead the charge against the hordes of the Lord of Rage?...Well, stay tuned to find out on the all new installments of, Ultimate Alien: Primarch Force!
Alright, that'll do it for this one as I hoped you guys will enjoy this chapter and everything that comes into it, as Ben and the Matriarchs begin their fight against one of Khorne's very own legions. As such as we'll be continuing this in all of the shenanigans to come of it, I would like to thank you guys for your continued support of the story so far, as every favorite, follow, and review of the story has been appreciated; not to mention I have a good chunk of other stuff planned down the line as well that I can't wait to show y'all.
So with all that being done and out of the way, this is Pravus666 signing off until next time. Wherein our next chapter will be Part 2 into Ben and the Matriarchs fighting against the Khornite horde, so stay tuned for all of that good stuff. Also, I would appreciate it if you guys could give some support to my longtime friend Nomadic Chaos who has had to restart on a new backup account due to the site glitching so much that he's locked out of his account until something happens to unfuck it, or its permanent more or less, as such he is now running around as Nomadic Chaos 888, with a Xiaolin Showdown X Ben 10 crossover which is pretty decent to start with, thank you all if you choose to do so.
Part 1 Theme Song: Black out the Sun by Sevendust
Random End Song: Bleed it Out by Linkin Park
Now then, onto some of the reviews from the previous chapter.
Skull Flame: That's the kind of vibe I'm going for with the Loyalist version of the Noise Marines, and you can better believe that I am motivated to do so just so it makes Slaanesh angry, also you cannot tell me that Loyalist Noise Marines buffing allies with Power Metal wouldn't be awesome. When and if Sekhmet gets Worldbreaker, its going to probably be stronger than the original version due to Big E having to see what Ben makes for the Matriarchs and deciding that he needs to step his game up, in not wanting to be outdone by him. I can also see her getting inspiration from the X-men and Avengers cartoons as well, as it just sounds too hilarious for the future Night-Lords to be doing there own version of an 'Avengers Assemble' bit on there enemies. Lorna being a Cleric more or less just made too much sense not too, and the fact that her Psyker powers are tied to her faith and conviction was something I couldn't not do, as I almost want to do a bit where she's destroying demons by giving the most Doom-Slayer levels of hype sermons to just mess with them. Hyperdrives i imagine would probably make travel much safer than going through the Warp given that you no longer need to go through it to get to where you need to go, and instead just move at obscene speeds instead. Also, I'm glad that someone else agrees that its total bull that she manages to wield Excalibur, in that case Argit should be able to have the Holy Grail.
Kourtney Uzu Yato (7-8): Glad you liked the chapters, and Batman Beyond is too awesome not too give another go-round in rewatching, and as such I figured was perfect to have Ben and Konstance watch together. Also, regarding Lorna's interest in Earth's past, and the gods of old or lack thereof in Ben's universe I figured it would be a nice way to start things for where she goes from here, since it does greatly inform of how she's going to take things with the Word Bearers Legion once they get off-planet and get back to Terra. Also, Ben having this version of the Plumbers be a thing is just too much fun not to want to get into, for the sheer amount of crazy that can come of it. Plus, that's the great thing about Ben endearing himself to Konstance and even some of the other Matriarchs when you think about it; its just him being a good person to her when no one else would give her actual kindness, and its gonna be real funny when the Aeldari try to get Ben seduced to their side and Konstance is just there waiting with her Lightning Claws daring one of them to try something. And as you can see the fight is on with Ax'Akhan's forces vs Ben and the Matriarchs' and it only continues from here on the shenanigans, not to mention I have to give Grandpa Max his dues for being that Guy in Ben's life to help him grow into who he is now, and lastly I will definitely check out your update when I get the chance.
ex555:...I hate that I didn't think to use Doom Eternal and some of the Fallout weapons as the basis for more of what the Space Marine Legions and Imperial Guard could weild in terms of what Ben could make for them down the line, thank you for the great suggestion.
Obsidian Nova Arc: Yeah, it only spirals out further from here with how much drama and nonsense Ben will get into, that being said you can believe that Ben is gonna gear up and then some after seeing that literal space daemons exist...this man is not about to get caught lacking if he has his way about it.