For as long as Horus could remember, Cthonia had been a world choked in ash and smog. For as long as anyone could remember, really.
There were myths about Cthonia having had blue skies once, centuries ago, but those were just myths. The idea of Cthonia with anything other than dark grey skies was inconceivable.
And when Horus had first seen Cthonia from space, that had held true. There was nothing vibrant or colorful about the planet. Space itself was fresh and exciting, with the bright glow of the sun and the dazzling distant stars, but Cthonia remained as dour and ugly as always.
Or it had, at least.
Now, as he peered at it again through the deck of the window, it seemed completely alien. The smog was gone as if it had never existed, and Cthonia's skies were now sharp and clear. It wasn't exactly colorful, the planet dominated by the grey hive cities and the mountains. But it was brighter than Horus had ever seen it.
A vast, shining orb gleaming against the tapestry of the stars. From this distance, it looked nothing like the Cthonia Horus had known.
"This has to be impossible." A whisper came from next to him, and Horus turned to Ezekyle, who was standing next to him, looking out of the window with a stunned disbelief that mirrored Horus's own feelings. "This is some kind of joke, right? It can't actually be happening."
Ezekyle looked as awkward and out of place as Horus felt. They had been provided with fresh clothes, with black tunics embroidered in gold and white trousers, softer and more expensive than anything they had ever worn before, made of a material Horus didn't recognize. They had washed themselves in the insanely expensive and large baths attached to their rooms.
Horus enjoyed it all, but at the same time, neither he nor his friends could shake the underlying feeling of discomfort and alienation.
He wanted to say something to Ez, to offer some sort of reassurance, to explain it away, but his tongue felt like lead, and even though the words usually came so easily, he had no idea what to say.
This had to be some sort of dream, he thought. A golden man claiming to be his father had appeared out of nowhere, offering to give Horus everything he had ever wanted, and taken him to the stars to a ship from the wildest stories and myths. He was being treated as if he was royalty, because apparently he was, and he and his friends had been showered with comforts that Horus had never known.
And now even Cthonia itself had been changed so radically.
Horus struggled to accept it. A part of him screamed that this was some sick joke, some delusion, that he had actually been captured and his captors were feeding him drugs to keep him compliant, trapped in a dream world.
But who could do that? Another part of him asked. Horus had yet to find any poison or drug that actually affected him, and many, many people had tried. The only people on Cthonia who might have drugs capable of trapping him in this sort of dream might be the Tech-Priests, and this wasn't their style.
There were plenty of horror stories about what Tech-Priests did to people who got into trouble with them. Servitors were the most common, and the idea still sent a chill down Horus's spine, but there were also those simply kept as slaves, used as test subjects, torn apart…
But drugs to keep people compliant and happy? No, the Tech-Priests never did anything like that.
And yet, Horus wasn't sure. He wanted to accept this was real, but he couldn't shake the feeling that this was some sort of trick. Maybe the Emperor just wanted something from Horus, was just lying to him so he could use him.
But there was something about the Emperor that Horus couldn't help but trust. There was something innately familiar and soothing about that blazing golden presence, which spoke to something deep within Horus. That told him this man was really his father, and that every word he said was the truth.
Even so, standing aboard the Epona, gazing out in the void, Horus couldn't help but feel awkward and out of place. The starship, this fortress and palace all in one, it was like nothing he had ever known. It was vast and golden and dazzling, with technology and luxuries that would have stunned even the richest gang-lord of Cthonia.
It was everything Horus had ever wanted, but now that it was within his grasp, he felt like he was entering a completely alien world, one which he wasn't part of. And that was the truth, wasn't it? Cthonia, the Cthonia of days past, was his world, not this ship. Not Terra, where his father had come from.
"I don't know, Ez," He admittedly softly. "I just don't know."
Ezekyle stared at him, stunned. Horus couldn't blame him, it was the first time he had ever spoken those words to anyone, but what else could he say?
But before Ez could say anything, a voice interrupted from behind them. "Lord Primarch?" Horus turned to look at the source of the voice and found Captain Alexandros, standing there in her crisp uniform.
"Captain," He said, the words coming more confidently. "Is there something you need?"
She nodded. "It is time for you and your companion to have another meal, a Custodes is here to escort you." Her tone was warm and respectful, but Horus didn't miss the way her eyes briefly flickered to Ezeykle. It wasn't…contemptuous, exactly, but it was dismissive.
It rankled him. Ezekyle was his friend, part of his gang, and had been at his side for years. How dare this woman judge him?
"He's not my companion, he's my friend." Horus said, a little sharply.
The woman seemed a little startled by that, but bowed her head. "Of course, Lord Primarch, my apologies."
Satisfaction spread through Horus. Most of the ship's crew treated him very respectfully and politely. Maybe part of it was because he was their Emperor's son, but Horus was certain most of it was just because of him. People had always treated him like that, even his enemies were stunned by him, and it felt good to know that something hadn't changed.
"Do you know when my father will be free?" Horus asked. "I want to talk to him." The Emperor had spoken briefly to him upon returning from Cthonia, but had disappeared into his study soon after, though with an assurance that they'd talk soon. In particular, Horus wanted to ask him about the scientist Horus had heard his father kept in his employ, some incredible genius with biology who had done a lot of frankly unbelievable work for his father back on Terra. Resurrecting extinct species of animals and plants, raising forests on a planet supposedly as ravaged as Cthonia, working on his father's soldiers like the white giants they called Space Marines…
Horus had thought the rumors about this mysterious scientist were overblown, but, now, seeing Cthonia, he couldn't help but think she must have had some hand in this.
"He already is." Captain Alexandros replied, clasping her hands behind her back. "The Custodian came to inform me that your father wishes to dine with you and your friends, Lord Primarch."
Horus jolted in surprise, but recovered quickly. The Emperor wanted to dine with him and his gang? He wasn't sure how to feel about that. But there was nothing for it. "Come on, Ez. Let's go."
His friend still looked uncertain but didn't object as they made their way to the doors leading out of the command deck. The crew members maintained a respectful distance, but Horus couldn't help but smile at the awe and curious looks they all kept sending him.
Finally, they left the chambers, and found one of the Custodians looming outside the door, waiting for them just as the captain had said there would be. It was Valerian, Horus recognized after a moment of examining the medals and markings on the golden armour.
"Lord Primarch." The giant said, inclining his head, his voice deep and rumbling.
Ezekyle shifted nervously next to him, but Horus pasted on a bright smile. "Samonas! Let's go."
The Custodian nodded gravely, and turned on his feet with a grace and speed that shouldn't have been possible for such a large person, with Horus and Ezekyle following only a little reluctantly.
Ezekyle kept glancing around at the tall corridors and rich adornments of the Epona, his hands twitching occasionally. Horus couldn't blame him, he felt the same way. The ship was exactly the sort of place he and his gang would have raided for loot on Cthonia, but even grander and more magnificent than their wildest dreams.
But they didn't have to, did they? The ship's staff and crew had given them everything they had asked for, without question. Clothes, food, tech, books..practically everything they asked for was provided shortly. The Emperor had given them the free run of most of the ship, with only a few sections strictly off-limits.
They didn't need to steal anything, they only had to ask. It felt good. But it also felt wrong, and unsatisfying, in a way. The thrill of the heist was something Horus had always enjoyed, and he had a feeling it would be a long time before he felt it again.
Horus looked at Ez again, and had to suppress a wince when he saw his friend's attention had drifted from their surroundings to Valerian. He looked even more uncomfortable and intimidated, sneaking repeated glances at the Custodian, clearly nervous.
"So…Samonas, what did my father do on Cthonia?" Horus, hoping to distract the Custodian from noticing Ezekyle's fear. And well, he was really curious about what his father had done to clear up the planet. Next to him, his friend also perked up in curiosity a bit, wanting to know more.
But the Custodian did not so much as turn his head to look at Horus as he responded. "That is for His Majesty to tell you, Lord Primarch."
Horus frowned. "Can't you tell me something, at least? Chthonia is my home, I'm just curious."
Samonas remained impassive. "My duty is that of your guard, and that alone. My apologies, but I am not allowed to speak to you about such matters."
"Just because you're my guard doesn't mean we can't talk." Horus said reasonably. "If we're going to spend time together, shouldn't we get along?"
"I am afraid not," Samonas replied simply. "It is best for a guard to maintain distance, to avoid any complications. If you desire companionship beyond that of your friends, there are many on this ship who would be glad to accommodate you, but I cannot."
Horus suppressed a scowl. Anyone else would have already told him what he wanted by now, but the Custodians might as well have been one of the Mechanicum's automatons for all the effect his words had on them.
He didn't like it. No one had ever seemed so…immune to Horus's words. Even people who were trying to kill him…well, a bunch of them, including Ez, were part of his gang now. And even the ones he hadn't converted, he had been able to make them angry, to dance on his strings, to get some sort of emotion out of them.
But the Custodians cared nothing for any of that. To them, he was just their lord's son, nothing more. Horus hadn't exactly had time to try out all his tricks on them yet, but it felt wrong.
For the rest of the trip, there was silence, until they finally arrived at the chambers that had been assigned to Horus and his friends. The doors were large and ornate, a deep crimson embossed with golden eagles and lightning bolts.
On either side of the door, there were two more Custodians standing guard, and with a curt nod, Samonas fell into line alongside them.
Glad to be rid of him, Horus and Ezekyle moved closer to the doors, which opened automatically at their approach, and let them in.
And what Horus choked in surprise at what he saw.
The rooms the Emperor had assigned to Horus and his friends were large and lavish, with more than a dozen bedrooms, a large sitting room and all sorts of expensive furnishings. There were huge shelves stacked with books (though not in any language he or his gang could read), and an entertainment center with all sorts of devices that Alyssa and several of the others had eagerly taken to playing with and dismantling. If Horus hadn't wanted to explore the ship so much, he would have joined them.
From the snooping he had done, Horus knew that the chambers were actually meant for diplomats, and he couldn't help but take a little pride in the fact that his gang had been deemed important enough to stay in them.
But still, as excited as everyone was, they couldn't help but be a little nervous, a little afraid of what was going to happen. They had spent years on the run, and this all seemed too good to be true.
But now, that tense atmosphere was completely gone, replaced by a raucous cheer.
In the center of the large and lavish sitting room assigned to them, at the head of the huge gleaming wooden table, which had a feast of luxurious food and wine arrayed on it, was the Emperor, smiling and laughing as he ate with Horus's gang.
It was a completely alien sight, and Horus couldn't help but stare. His father, cool and regal and distant, was smiling with a glass of wine in hand as he told a story, and around him, Horus's entire gang was regarding him with enthralled attention.
Arrec, who never trusted anyone, was looking up at the Emperor with a starry eyed gazy, Alyssa, who held everyone at arm's length, was eagerly asking him questions.
Jealousy clawed at Horus's chest. The way they looked at the Emperor, that awe in their eyes and the way they hung on his every word…his gang had never done that for anyone except him. It stung to see them so easily charmed by some alien king, even his own father. The way they were all looking at the Emperor, it was as if he was a god.
But before Horus could dwell on it too deeply, his father's eyes turned to him and the Emperor's smile widened.
"My son! Come." He said, beckoning to the empty chair next to him. Everyone else's heads turned to him, and his gang grinned to see him, waving at him, as rowdy and exuberant as ever.
Despite his envy, the Emperor's words sent a rush of warmth through his chest, and Horus found himself walking to sit next to the Emperor, gesturing to Ez to find his own seat.
"Father," He said, trying to sound as formal and regal as his father. "I didn't expect this." The Emperor had wanted to give Horus rooms of his own, within the Emperor's own private chambers, but Horus had refused to be separated from his gang. To see his father here, laughing and drinking with his gang, was confusing.
The Emperor chuckled. "Well, one must always make some effort to connect with one's people," He said, pouring another glass of shimmering crimson liquid for Horus. "Speaking of which, Arrec here tells me that your… gang has a tradition of sealing deals and membership with a drink?"
"Yeah!" Arrec confirmed before hastily correcting himself. "I mean, Your Majesty."
"They do," Horus said, giving his father a puzzled look wondering what this had to do with anything.
"Well, I am not part of your gang, but I am your father and it would be improper of me not to participate in my son's traditions." The Emperor replied, offering the glass to Horus. "So, shall we? A toast to a better future?"
Horus hesitated. "I'm not-"
"Come on Horus!" Alyssa said, grinning. "Let's do it! All of us!"
"All of us!" Everyone cheered "To the future!"
Horus couldn't help but accept the glass, the atmosphere around him infectious.
"To the future," He agreed, draining the glass in one gulp as the Emperor did the same, and a cheer went up around them.
The Emperor couldn't help but smile, feeling pleased as the servants carted off most of the children to their rooms.
It had been quite some time since he had either tended to children or attempted to connect with 'commoners', the past several centuries had been far too busy for that, but he was glad that he hadn't lost his touch.
His eyes drifted to one of Horus's friends, Arrec, who had passed out and was snoring as a pair of servants picked him up and carted him away. Even from this distance, the Emperor could smell the wine on the boy's breath, and the Lord of Terra made an idle note to send the medics to look at the children tomorrow. Giving them all alcohol was perhaps not the best of ideas, but his physicians would ensure that no harm would come to them, and he had needed to endear himself to his son and his son's friends.
Next to him, Horus's voice rose up. "Father?"
The Emperor turned to the boy, smilingly slightly. He had worn away at quite a bit of the boy's wariness today. Not all of it, he had not made the Primarchs to be stupid, after all, but quite a bit.
"Yes, son?"
The boy hesitated for a moment. He wasn't remotely affected by the wine, his physiology saw to that, but something had clearly been nagging at him for a while and the Emperor already knew what it was.
"How did you clear Cthonia's atmosphere?"
"An experimental device, my son," The Emperor replied steadily, having prepared answers beforehand. "It is quite potent, though it did show some issues that still require adjustment."
Horus frowned slightly. "I heard that you have some sort of biologist on your payroll? Didn't she help?"
So the boy had already found that out. The Emperor couldn't help but be proud of the snooping, but still, Horus wasn't ready to hear the truth.
"She did, yes. She helped build the device and conduct the clearing process."
Even if Isha had been in a dark mood ever since the trip to Cthonia. She had said nothing, keeping to herself and being stiffly polite, but it wasn't hard to notice.
The Emperor knew what it was, of course. He had noticed her scanning the Mechanicum's fortress, and knew she had seen the servitors. It was unsurprising she was revolted by them, given her attitude towards simple clone soldiers.
It was honestly rather tiresome at this point. Isha's soft heart was something he had used to his advantage on multiple occasions now, but it was still aggravating that an Eldar warp-construct whose age surpassed his own could be so…sentimental. She had fought in the War in Heaven, had clashed with Chaos countless times over millions of years, could she not understand the necessity of such things?
"Can I meet her?" Horus asked, interrupting his father's thoughts.
No. The Emperor's mind rebelled at the motion. It had been difficult enough to let Isha run a scan on the boy to ensure that Chaos had left no mark on him. Letting them meet properly? Certainly not. But he would have to phrase it more delicately for his son.
"I'm afraid not," The Emperor answered. "She is very busy, and I am afraid the projects she are tending to are time-sensitive. Perhaps later." Or never.
Horus looked disappointed, but did not press the point.
The Emperor knew that wasn't the end of this, however. He had not forgotten the experiences of raising many children, and one of his offspring giving up so quickly at something they wanted? A laughable idea.
There were many things he could distract Horus with however, and his son was very young. Horus had never been a son before, but the Emperor had been a father many times.
It would take some effort, but the Emperor was sure he could keep the boy distracted.
"And there is the central section of the Bai-heng hive, where I live, and you will be living with me." The Emperor told Horus, gesturing to the top of the vast mountain.
They were once more standing at the window of the Epona's bridge, peering down at the Imperial capital as the ship descended towards the hive's spire zone.
"That's…amazing," Horus said softly, his eyes wide wide as he looked down at the mountain-sized arcology and the city beyond it, the awe that had been there since they had first entered Terra's atmosphere only growing. The boy was trying to present the image of being composed, but the Emperor could sense how he really felt.
"Indeed and there are many more things within I am sure you will find equally amazing." The Emperor said with a smile. It had been an enjoyable few days, and the Epona had taken a slower pace home than it had towards Cthonia, to give Horus some time to adjust.
He had missed this, the Emperor acknowledged to himself. He could never allow himself to forget what Horus's true purpose was, but it felt good to have an awestruck child following him around again, hanging on his every word.
But this grace period would have to end soon, and Horus's education would begin. Still, no harm in relishing it a little longer.
"What kind of things, father?" Horus asked, with barely concealed excitement.
The Emperor opened his mouth to reply, but before he could say anything, a psychic pulse came from the palace below, invisible to most, but bright and urgent to the Emperor's mind, Malcador's power easily recognizable.
Revelation, there is a problem. We need to talk immediately.
Author's Note: Hiatus is over, everyone.
The next chapter is available on my P-a-t-r-e-o-n here: : / / www . user ? u = 52718582 (remove the spaces)