The Collectors arrived at the town expecting a fight.
Theirs was a tactic that had been used time and time again over the millennia by Reapers of past Harvests, the information downloaded to the Collectors.
Seeker swarms scouted the designated cities, paralyzing panicked civilians and military alike while hordes of husks and drones collected the bodies. Accompanying each contingent was a Praetorian, a nightmarish armored being constructed of numerous husks meshed together with biotics and tech.
With most communications either destroyed or jammed, the target species would be left unable to coordinate a proper defense. Meanwhile, the force of husks would snowball into a devestating swarm. Enough that stealth would no longer be an option, nor needed.
While there had been some… Strange reports around this particular planet, the tried and true tactics surely work in the end.
The leader of one such contingent, a Collector Captain, looked down from the building he was on, cautiously surveying the area while buzzing filled the air. The updates he received from the seeker swarms all told the same, incomprehensible story. There were no life signs anywhere across the entire town.
They came expecting panicked civilians or desperate freedom fighters. Resistance was futile, yet it was always attempted.
Instead, lining the streets, scattered haphazardly throughout the parks, in random alleys, were corpses. Easily numbering into the hundreds.
The Captain did not understand.
Obviously this foolishness was derived from the weakness of the organic mind. They deny themselves the chance to become part of the Harvest, yet they don't even try to properly resist and save others of their kind.
Madness.
Still, they would not let it go to waste.
Husks and Collectors began collecting the corpses while setting up the 'Dragon Teeth', as humanity called them.
They might deny themselves the Harvest, but they would still serve in their own way.
Still… It was odd.
The Captain - the Collector's as a whole really - lacked intuition. Yet it still noticed a discrepancy.
If this were mass suicide, why were the corpses spread out across the town? The corpses were discolored and bloodied, yet there was a distinct lack of blood on the ground around them.
He disregarded it as irrelevant to their directives when he heard a voice come directly behind him on what should have been the empty roof.
"You recognize the puzzle before you, but lack the drive to attempt to solve it. I would call it arrogance, but that might be giving you too much credit."
He spun around, weapon at the ready, only for his arms and legs to scream in agony as they were broken in quick succession.
Ignoring the pain, he concentrated on the intruder.
Human. Average height for the species. Black hair. Inappropriately clothed - no armor nor weapons equipped.
… Yet he was somehow able to break limbs through armor?
Readjustment. Threat level: Unknown.
"It is only common courtesy for an invading force to establish some sort of communication with the ruler of the land they are invading." The human lectured sternly, ignoring the army of drones and husks below.
The drones stopped ferrying corpses, a significant number turning to aim at the roof.
"Since you have so rudely failed to do so," the human continued, unconcerned, "As King, I have taken it upon myself to come to you."
The Captain snarled in response as it attempted to draw its weapon despite its broken limbs. The seeker swarm flew directly towards them… only to run into some sort of barrier.
Analysis: Nothing. No mass effect fields, no devices nearby to create such a barrier.
… What sort of technology was this?
It wasn't unusual for species over the eons to develop their own branches of technology, but never was it more advanced than the Reapers.
"More accurately," the man blithely stated while ignoring the buzzing of the surrounding swarm, "I wish to speak to the being observing through you." The man gave him a piercing glance.
The words were spoken with authority, and even the Captain - cleansed of foolishness of the flesh - felt it.
"I am Trhvmn Ortenrosse. The White Wing King, and Ruler of the Dead Apostles Ancestors," the man now designated 'Trhvmn' stated.
His words weren't spoken loudly, nor were they boastful. They were spoken with authority, and even the Collector - cleansed of the foolishness of the flesh - felt it.
He spoke as if it were an irrefutable fact.
"I am one of the oldest beings on this planet you foolishly invaded. And you-" He raised an arm.
"Are not welcome here."
A low moan echoed throughout the town. From throats that would never be sated, the sound chilling and primal.
The Reapers had long since learned how to weaponize the dead of their victims. But while they might be the first, they were far from the only ones.
Every drone currently carrying corpses to the Dragon Teeth found themselves suddenly attacked. Each being ambushed viciously as each corpse, none with a single spark of life or technology in them, became animated.
In an instant, the air was filled with battle as every corpse in the city did the same, the Collector's and husks suddenly under an impossible assault they were never expecting.
Had it just been the suddenly revived corpses, that would be one thing. Technology would surely triumph over the weakness of the flesh. Thus was the Collector's thoughts.
Then came others.
Monstrous beings that could never be mistaken as human. Creatures that looked like they might have been human once, but were no longer, resembling creatures unlike they had experienced before. Others looked human, but who gave off either bizarre life signs or, in most instances, none at all.
The Captain saw an entire squadron frozen solid in an instant before being shattered. Another group of Collector's that choked and died as the blood congealed within their bodies, or others that turned and fought other Collectors, their bodies moving as if to a puppeteer's strings.
There was more, so much more. The Collector Captain could scarcely comprehend the illogical turn of events as the force he led was ripped apart.
It scarcely felt when it was picked up.
"I do hope your Lord's and Master's are paying attention." Trhvmn Ortenrose stated coldly. "Whatever plan they have, whatever their goal is, will not be realized here. Now, perish."
With a contemptuous throw, The Captain was thrown off the building. The moment he did, he activated his wings, barely catching himself from falling…
Only for several creatures with skeletal-like wings of their own to snatch him, ripping off his wings and bringing him plummeting to the ground where his forces fought desperately.
His presence did nothing to stop the utter destruction of the Collector forces.
Trhvmn idly observed the wave of destruction from the building.
The Dead formed the bulk of the forces present. Corpses, Ghouls, Undead, and Nightkin. But he had not stopped there - Nightmares and Dead Apostles targeted any who looked like they might give any problem.
Looking at them now, he could have done this using Corpses only. Perhaps with a few Ghouls to be sure. To bring as many as he had was clearly overkill.
This was not a battle. It was a slaughter.
But then, this was hardly about defeating these forces, pitiful as they were. It was about sending a message.
To multiple beings.
"Was the footage sufficient?" Trhvmn asked the empty roof idly.
A shimmer formed in one corner, swiftly revealing another Dead Apostle. Where Trhvmn exuded an air of royalty, this man was almost bland and unassuming, a feat that was most unusual for a Dead Apostle. Even the suit he wore, though expensive, was plain.
The moment he revealed himself, he gave a swift bow.
"Yes, sire. It should be." The Dead Apostle replied calmly. "It won't take long to edit everything per your instruction."
"Then begin straightaway." Trhvmn ordered. "Let humanity know that we dealt the first blow against these invaders."
It need not be true - he already knew that others across the globe had begun resisting as well. But nobody had claimed it yet, backed by proof. Which they could provide.
"Yes sire." The Dead Apostle replied, though with a split second of hesitation.
It was hardly unexpected. Many amongst his ranks probably felt the same at his actions - Dead Apostles, despite their strength, fought from the shadows. Even the Ancestors. It is what kept them alive.
Yet he had his reasons.
"Do you think it foolish?" Trhvmn asked. Not with censure or anger, but with a tone of amusement.
"Of course not, sire." Came the immediate reply. "It is not for me to understand your methods."
Trhvmn gazed thoughtfully at the battle that was wrapping up with no true losses saved for some cannon fodder. "The Moonlit World is being dragged into the light." He remarked idly. "Have you given any thought as to what that truly entails?"
The Dead Apostle blinked in confusion, not expecting the question. "Sire?"
"Gaia and Alaya are working in concert, for the first time in recorded history." Trhvmn lectured patiently. "A new Age is being brought about as we speak. Old rivalries and enmity are as of this moment being put aside in the face of this threat, if they haven't already."
A girl with long hair gazed in vague disinterest at the sight of multiple Reapers landing, the hordes of enemies and the screaming victims.
It was such an annoyance… And to have to agree with the 'King' made her even more irritable. Still, if this was to be, then she would have to prove herself superior to him.
He killed an entire army via ambush? Then she would prove she didn't need such methods.
With a single gesture, an army of Dead Apostles entered the city and fell upon the unsuspecting foe. By the time the Reapers even thought of fleeing, it was too late.
#9 Altrouge Brunestud, Eclipse Princess of Black Blood.
Trhvmn was rather looking forward to the reaction of the Church when they learned of his actions… But he digressed.
"But after the dust settles, what do you suppose will happen?" He asked rhetorically. "Much of the status quo will have been turned on its head - Governments and Organizations will struggle to return to some semblance of normality. And people will dive into the unknown, seeking to understand things they can't comprehend."
Cattle was predictable in that way.
A squadron of Geth fell under a surprise assault of hybrid bird-men.
Claws and feathers, against all logic and reason, wrent metal bodies asunder.
The skies darkened as a massive bird many times larger than the Geth's shuttles appeared. With a flap of its wings, feathers shot out and pierced through shuttles capable of withstanding space and conventional weaponry. The bird's ruby eyes glowed maliciously, and each feather erupted in caustic energy.
Birds had long been known as messengers of the gods. Amongst those of the Moonlit world, they were those that were entrusted with the souls of the dead.
It was a fitting form for one who considered himself The Crimson Moon's most trusted servant.
#16 Gransurg Blackmore, the Black Wing Lord.
"Above all, what unifies and draws people most is a common enemy." Trhvmn continued his lecture. "I guarantee that the first thing the Church shall do is declare the existence of Dead Apostle Ancestors as the greatest enemies of humanity, no better than the Reapers themselves." He chuckled softly. "You know how dramatic they can be."
Not that he blamed them - it was true after all. But unlike the Reapers, Dead Apostles needed humanity.
No matter how powerful one was, one could not survive without food.
The Reapers had begun setting up one of their processing plants, lines of citizens already captured and ready to convert.
They didn't notice when the sky rumbled, the earth shuddering beneath their feet. The shadow of one who simmered in hate looked on - He who had died centuries before yet refused to move on would never let others take what was his.
The sky erupted, as if a second, angry sun had appeared. The thunderous crackle of crimson lightning echoed across the city as ardent flames spread and intensified. The oxygen in the air ignited on the spot, while puddles of water evaporated spontaneously from the sheer heat.
The people ran, but cheered and celebrated at the destruction of the Reapers forces, but the shadow hardly cared.
The people taken, that blood, was already spoken for. The Reapers would not have it.
#11 Stanrobe Calhin. The First Wraith, and City Devourer.
"Since when do we care for the actions of the Church?" The Dead Apostle sniffed in annoyance, mention of that hated organization making him forget himself.
Was it not self-explanatory?
"Setting aside that we need to ensure that our cattle actually survives?" Trhvmn asked archly, causing the other to lower his head. "This is a preemptive move. If we are to be revealed, then let it be done on our terms."
The people of Venice looked in awe as the Reaper was suddenly enveloped in a waterspout that appeared out of thin air.
With pressure far exceeding what it should, the spout dragged the giant ship into the ocean, submerging the entire thing.
None could see beneath the frothing waves, even as people needed to be evacuated from some of the less stable buildings due to the force of the waves. But when it eventually stopped and the Reaper did not return it was clear it was defeated.
#21 Sumire the Water Demon
"The world is in chaos right now. Eventually, it will right itself, but the cattle are scared now, and seek guidance." Trhvmn smiled self-assuredly. "They see an impossible enemy."
"We shall show them we are strong."
Cannibals; Batarians twisted into synthetic-organic monsters incapable of anything but violence. Let loose amongst the countryside - a small army charged after a group of refugees into some woods.
No Cannibal walked out.
#7 The Forest of Einnashe, Predator Forest.
"We shall show that we are capable of fighting back."
Reapers were masters of electronic warfare. To be hacked was rare, and to be taken control of was unheard of.
So when reports of a Reaper attacking other Reapers came in, it was met with bafflement and even fear.
This Reaper was surrounded by bizarre readings and phenomena in the form of a black tornado that drained all around it, as well as the creatures that formed from it. No message could get through to it, and only madness and death came from it.
The coming of the Reapers caused a worldwide fear, rumors spread since the destruction of Eden Prime years prior. The environment was perfect, the occurrence inevitable.
#13 TATARI. The Night of Wallachia.
"In the end, humanity desires stability and safety. In return for that, they are willing to sacrifice a great many things. And if we show we are willing to work with them…"
A teenager laughed, for the first time in a couple centuries his dreaded boredom nowhere in sight.
Oh how he wished he was at Rome, he could only imagine how intense the fighting was there. And the spirits… Were the emperors of Rome once again fighting for their city?
Ah, such a shame. But his own fights were hardly lacking in interest.
Currently he was missing both right arm and leg, watching as his more destructive daemons fought. An automaton with the most advanced mass effect weaponry and ammunition in existence slaughtered troops by the score. While a creature the size of a whale clung to a Reaper, preventing it from fleeing while mauling its armor.
No, he didn't think he'd get bored anytime soon.
#20 Merem Solomon, Crown. Daemon Summoner.
"… Then they will flock to us of their own free will." Trhvmn finished.
"But once everything is over…" the Dead Apostle spoke hesitantly.
"The Church will proclaim us monsters, but humanity will have just witnessed us saving them." Trhvmn concluded. "And since we will give our narrative first, ours is what will be more likely to be believed."
The other pursed his lips, but gave a nod. "I am uncertain, but I shall trust you."
He would accept that. Just as he knew that what he said would filter through the ranks.
"It is unfortunate, I will not lie, but it is necessary." Trhvmn mused. "In the previous Age, the gods were banished because they failed to adapt. Now we stand at the cusp of another Age, and we too must adapt."
"I care not if it be the Church, the Magus Association, or these creatures from space. We are Dead Apostles, blessed of the Crimson Moon."
"And we shall outlive them all."
Author's Note:
Phew! It's done! I will freely admit, I'm not sure about this chapter. When I first wrote that I wanted to do a chapter on Dead Apostle Ancestors, I thought it made sense. Seemed like a logical step. But I didn't really know a lot about them - so I looked it up.
Only to realize that the internet doesn't know a lot about them either. It's actually kinda infuriating. A quarter of the Dead Apostle Ancestors aren't even known or might be in Church custody. Three of them aren't even Dead Apostles and are only listed as such because of 'reasons'. Zelretch is Zelretch and thus doesn't count. TATARI is a phenomenon and Einnashe is a forest. Number 27 is stuck in his own labyrinth. And half the ones we know about we barely know anything about. There's so much about them and their powers that I don't understand, and if I don't understand it, how can I write about it? By the time I got anywhere, I lost most interest in writing about them and went back to other stories.
I think I finally got to a point where the writing is decent. But man is it frustrating.
I actually have other chapters for this written, but I couldn't post them until this chapter was done. So maybe now I'll be able to move forward.
I tried adding a scene with Arcueid and Shiki, but it really didn't work with the logic and flow of the chapter. So they might show up in future chapters.
As for the chapter itself, I've spent a good amount of time thinking on it, and I think my logic is sound. Dead Apostle Ancestors rely on secrecy, but I think they'd come out of hiding if it was needed to protect their food supply. But if all of humanity became aware of them, with all the mass effect weaponry and scanners available to them, then they'd be wiped out. However, now they'll be known as the saviors of humanity, the title giving them a measure of protection. Does that make sense?
Anyways, I hope all of you enjoy this chapter. As usual, I'd like to thank those who are currently supporting me on pa tr eon; For anybody that is interested or would like to support me, the link to that page is P a treon . com (slash) shdowstep. (remove the spaces).