Edited by Darvel

Chapter 24: A Heated Argument

The outside of Rogal Fort was heavily fortified. Steel and wood beams had enforced the walls more. The Windows were boarded up with metal boards. While the main door was chained up. Deep within the front main meeting hall, the grand table was now placed inside. Many of the Matriarchs, waiting for someone to explain what had conspired the last hours. The candles dimly lit the room. Russ sat on the wide stairs to the main hall, sharpening her ax. The Lion stood quiet, Guilliman did the same but she studied the hand-made maps on the table. Perturabo had calmly waited for the others. Rogal sat across the room, talking to Ferrus. Horus and Sanguinius sat calmly in giant wooden chairs in deep conversation. Alpharius stayed away in her corner. Mortarion had an annoyed look on her face. Lorgar then walked into the room with a smile that showed so much joy on her face the others could not help but wonder what was happening to her.

Vulkan sat calmly as well. She had just finished gathering some for this meeting. Originally she was going to talk about the duel but after receiving news that an eldar was on this world by the Khan, her blood boiled after hearing the kidnapping attack on Issei, it made her oh so furious.

All of them waited for the last to arrive but in the meantime, Lorgar began drawing in her book. Rogal took note of her chipper attitude. She calmly walked over to her sister, her eyes catching a glimpse of the content of the book. Her eyes widened in surprise seeing an illustration of Issei floating in the air, with strange wings. Rogal was about to utter a word only to be cut off by Russ.

"Alright, what are we doing here?" She asked Vulkan gaining the attention of the room. She gave a heavy sigh. Her hand touched the golden hammer that was by her side.

"Allow me sisters to start from the beginning, a few days ago Issei had challenged Fulgrim to a duel," The whole room went silent. Rogal's fist tightened in rage, thinking how could her sister accept that duel, there was no honor in taking on a lesser opponent. The Lion spoke first.

"Fulgrim was the aggressor, wasn't she?" The Lion stated. Vulkan calmly nodded, many of them weren't surprised, this was bound to happen. All of them thought Issei was humiliated in front of Fulgrim, Horus mentally slapped herself, this was the last thing she wanted. Issei's trust in them was in jeopardy. This was all a human relations nightmare. Ferrus grumbled in annoyance, how could Fulgrim even think of this duel? Issei was weak and not a challenge.

"So how bad was it?" Russ asked bluntly. Almost everyone thought they knew the answer. Vulkan had a stressed gaze on the floor. Vulkan herself felt that she should tell them about Fulgrim's form, though that might stir confusion and anger amongst themselves.

"The battle was undecided after I gave chase when the match had gone out of hand, they moved so fast I could barely catch up to them," Vulkan's eyes and hair glowed with rage. It was very rare for her to lose her composer. Almost all the matriarchs became worried that Vulkan was losing her cool.

"An Eldar tried to take Issei away," Vulkan said. Her white hair changed to that very raging blue. The room became dead silent with all eyes on her.

"Are you sure that it wanted to take Issei?" Leman asked. Vulkan silence spoke for itself. Though all of them began to worry and even if they were mighty warriors, not all could take on an entire Eldar army. Rogal had made this fortress well but not perfect. She would reinforce it to no end. Russ had become silent if there was only one which she thought was unlikely. The Lion kept a cold gaze on Vulkan about this information, if they were captured or outnumbered, a battle would surely take place. Guilliman thought deeply of peace offering to try and get off this forsaken rock. Leman spoke up wanting to break the tension.

"It's good fortune that Fulgrim couldn't finish the match, I bet it saved Issei's pride, what was that damn boy thinking?" Leman said. Pertuabo knew it was because he cared so deeply for Angron. Pertuabo thought Issei had a heart that could rival even Vulkan's compassion. It was quite strange. Ferrus gave a stern look to the table, her voice rough and tired.

"Why must we even talk about this? It's plain as day that Fulgrim-"

"Lost," Fulgrim said her voice stabbing the silence of the chamber. All of them glanced at her to see in her arms was Fulgrim armor, completely demolished and ruined. She walked over to the table and sat her armor on the wooden table. Ferrus's eyes latched on to her sister, her posture was different. She didn't hold herself with pride, which was now replaced with unhappiness, and held serenity in her eyes. All the room had looked at the armor, noticing the fist-shaped dents, slash marks, and broken bits. The Lion had a jaw-dropped expression. Ferrus tried to find a tint of deception but it proved to be ineffective.

"Is this true?" Leman said.

"Yes, surely you jest," The Lion said unsure how to take the information. Horus went into deep thought, Issei kept proving himself but this was an unthinkable feat to achieve. Sanguinius didn't know what to think, she pondered that maybe her vision wouldn't come to fruition. Russ wonders how he did it, her fist gripped in anger.

"Did he use his unfair tricks against you?" Russ yelled in anger.

Fulgrim had a gentle smile on her face. She simply shook her head against her pride.

"Yes, though you all have to understand that, this is not an average day psyker, He is something more than I could ever imagine. In the battle, I was pushed to my limit and it was amazing, oh I forgot how great it was to have a humble beginning, I gladly lost to him, Please my sisters, I beg of you, do not hold any strife for Issei, he dueled me with honor,"

"You were pushed to your limit?" Ferrus asked. All of them, even Rogal and Perturabo, had wanted to know what it was like to duel Issei. Ferrus had felt a tinge of envy that Fulgrim had done such a battle. Mortarion had mixed feelings about Issei, he wasn't a psyker and won his battle, though she still had little information about him and didn't know what to think. Every Matriarch in the room wanted to test their metal against his. Russ felt a devilish smile appear on her face.

"I want a piece of that," She thought.

"Though there is one thing I need to say to you all, though I shall wait until everyone is here, we still have to discuss our Eldar problem," She said, resting her hand on the handle of Firebrand.

"So what happened after you lost?" The Lion asked.

"This wretched beast announced herself to me and him, it appears it wanted only Issei, for what reason I'm unsure," Fulgrim said, her voice hating how it almost took him away. Vulkan stood and lowered her head.

"What did it look like?" Vulkan asked. Fulgrim pondered on the details, on the strange garments it wore. It appeared more like a performer than a warrior yet she moved so fast, passing Fulgrims eye like a blur.

"It wore strange pattern clothing, a white mask, and an oddly colorful coloring. She almost dressed more to dance than to fight, she was the only one there,"

"By herself? Hmmm, strange for an Eldar," Vulkan said. "They are always at hunting parties,"

Fulgrim's hand tightened on the table, her grip threatening to break it. She hated the idea of this failure that happened on her watch. She had to fix the wrong.

"This is why I recommend we assemble a team to guide him around the clock, I will gladly be one of the volunteers," Fulgrim said. Many of them thought it was time, specifically the Lion. They should use Issei as bait to lure this enemy out. Ferrus was baffled at the idea that Fulgrim would even want to defend anyone weaker than herself. Well, Issei won the match but it still confused her.

"I agree with you, sister," Vulkan declared.

"We should protect him at any cost, he is simply too valuable," Sanguinius said.

"I think it would be worth a shot, with the discarded material I was able to find, Perturabo, how proceeds your efforts?" Horus asked.

Perturabo glanced at them but gave a calm nod. In all honesty, she appreciated the task. It was very rare to revise such a building task that didn't involve war.

"I have gained all the information on the device. I can now begin the construction of said communication beacon," She proudly said. The other found the news to be welcoming.

"Well, fate finally smiles upon us," Vulkan said. Their imminent rescue was slowly drawing me. All of them had their plans ready. The doors to the room opened as the Khan and Corvus walked into the room.

Horus glimpses toward them seeing how they are back.

"Did you kill it?" Horus asked. Both of them nodded no to her answer. Russ growled in annoyance thinking that she might have to do it herself. The Khan laid her blade on the table while Corvus sat down in anger thinking at how their prey managed to evade them.

"We searched that damn thing for hours, but we couldn't find her, no tracks, no scent, and not even her presence, this is no regular Xeno,"

The Khan grumbled already wanting to do another screech of the area.

"We are positive she was alone, there was no indicator or signs of her being with a group," She added on. The Lion swiftly formed a plan in her mind.

"Then if there is only one, we can hunt it now," She announced. Horus shook her head in disagreement.

"No, it's too late for that, we have to bunker down, and if it is more than one we shall bunker down and be ready for a battle," Horus offered to the group. Fulgrim, Rogal, Mortarion, and Perturabo agreed. While the other wanted to hunt for it. The room soon became divided as all of them had angered expressions.

Sanguinius walked to the middle of the floor. "Please there's enough of us to do both, but we still have to work together to accomplish our goals,"

However, both sides did eventually realize they could split up into two groups.

The door slammed open this time making all the heads turn at who was next to come in. Angron, Konrad, Magnus, and Issei walked into the room.

"What's up, guys?" Issei said out loud. Rogal looked up, and her eyes could only see the ceiling.

"I believe it's only the ceiling, hmm, that I might need to enforce. Thank you for the helpful insight," Rogal said. Issei gave an awkward cough.

"No Rogal, it's a way of greeting each other in my time," Issei said. A lot of them found it to be a strange way to greet someone. Fulgrim gave a longing state, wanting to reach over the table and fight him again. Issei entered the room seeing many heated glances thrown his way. Issei gave a nervous gulp to all of them. Russ had spun the blade of her ax on the ground. The Lion gave a cold stare at him almost wishing he would move against them. Ferrus was the worst of them all, staring bloody holes into his head but Issei didn't care he walked forward with a calm pose. Lorgar wanted to bombard him with questions.

"My dark angel is here," She thought. Horus' eyes had latched on to the sword by his side hooked by the shadows. She recognized the blade, it was Vulkan's craft and was being carried with the most respect.

"So I guess you guys heard about the Xenos, man talk about creepy," Issei said out loud. Russ glanced at him. "Yes, boy we were wondering what connection you had to this xeno,"

Konrad and Angron were angered by the accusation. Konrad guessed it was probably the fact of one losing to such a lesser being. Issei didn't like her tone and was about to say a harsh insult, thankfully Magnus had stepped in the way of Russ's warpath.

"I searched through his mind and soul, Russ, he has no connection to this alien," Magnus yelled. Russ found it irritating how she had all the answers before the rest. How could they even trust her then? Soon Angron, Konrad, Lorgar, and Fulgrim were by his side.

"He did nothing and I will not stand by while you accuse him of such," Fulgrim said standing up for him. She glanced by her side giving a respectful nod to him. Issei was shocked but happily acknowledged it. All were shocked at how she defended him. Issei jumped on the table getting all their attention. His fist held tight and the shadow of his hair covered his eyes. His voice was calm and smooth.

"I promise I had nothing to do with this, I still have the promise to keep to all of you, to get you off this world and back home,"

He slowly looked up at them, his eyes showing no wavering falsehood, all of them could read body language and none could argue with it. Russ still held her grudge but there were better things to get to. Perturabo decides to speak up.

"He speaks the truth, why would he deceive us now, and not to mention he's from the old earth, it's not logical," She said her cold hard logic defending him. Sanguinius could see how many sided with him, her eyes widened at how many of them were by his side. Issei slowly turned his head towards Horus. His gaze hurt and tried while he kept his stance.

"I know you guys are talking about some important stuff but I have to ask Horus something," The room went quiet at Issei's request. Horus didn't want to be rude but at such a strange time like this.

"What is it?" She asked curiously what he wanted. The whole room wanted to know the same. Angron, Konrad, and Magnus knew the answer.

"Where's my phone and why didn't you tell me you had it," Horus' eyes widened at what he said.

"Issei, who told you such a thing? We-," Horus was cut off by Issei whose voice raised louder than hers.

"Fulgrim told me everything," Issei's eyes show a sense of anger and betrayal. "Why would you keep that away from me?"

Corvus' rage boils at Horus seeing she was playing her own game, not to mention she hadn't shown them the phone either.

"What is she doing, Issei is our comrade. Is she trying to make him distrust us?" She thought in anger.

Russ stood straight up and marched over to Issei who stood at the table. Her irritation reached a rare all-time high, to accuse them of such a thing but to point a finger at Horus was unacceptable. Russ made her step towards him only to be blocked by Angron and Konrad. They both held a calm stoic stance against the wolf queen.

"If you have something to say, Russ, say it from here," Konrad warned. Perturabo quickly studies their actions wondering why they showed such loyalty towards Issei. Perturabo recalls all the videos and how Issei had such a great effect on others. She was starting to question where some of her sister's loyalty was. The energy of the room started to heat up. Horus realized the truth was open to all of them before she could say a word, Sanguinius moved smoothly into Issei's gaze.

"Issei I knew, the blame is on me as well," She said, trying to take off the eyes of Horus. Though he didn't turn his head or look shocked. He came for an answer and would not leave without getting one. Many of the others still held their eyes on the perfect sister. Russ had her jaw dropped witnessing these out-of-character actions from such noble people. Rogal did not react but was a little annoyed that withheld information from them.

"I don't care who did it, I want to know why?" Issei asked, it was then a feeling of panic entered his heart. "Is it because you hate me or did I do something wrong?"

Sanguinius and Horus were a bit taken back instead of furry or angry being thrown at them, they were met with sadness and worry. Horus felt a bit guilty for her action, while Sanguinuis quickly rushed to be closer to his area.

"No Issei we don't hate you," Sanguinius said in a quick panic voice. Horus tried to quickly work her charisma magic. She spoke gently and held a stoic pose. The others watched as Horus got ready for a big speech to win Issei over. Hopefully, it would put down any quarrel in him, Horus thought.

"Issei while the tide-"

"Horus, truth, now," He said cutting her off from a crafty speech she had ready. His gaze oddly reminded her of a sad child. She was a bit dismayed by the gaze. She soon glanced her eyes across the room, seeing Konrad, Angron, Lorgar, and Rogal's disapproved faces.

"That is enough to tell us why you did this," Rogal said. Issei could see she was quickly being cornered in the room by their angered emotions. Horus would have gladly told them the phone, though she was never backed in nervousness like this. Rogal felt a tinge of pain but still held her love for her sister deep in her heart. Many of them felt disappointed in her actions.

"This is why you acted so calm Horus, no wonder, what else have you been hiding from us?!" The Lion yelled. Russ jumped at her sister's side.

"Don't act so high and mighty, Lion it's not like you have been adding us in these trying times. All you do is sit and sulk around in your room!" She yelled back. The Lion quickly darted her eyes on Issei.

"You!" She pointed a finger at him, he could feel the blame of the oldest upon him.

"Me?" Issei asked out loud, unsure of what she was doing. The Lion gave him a dirty heated and malice gaze.

"Anything you do somehow ends up in strange shambles, you're more of a question than an answer," The Lion said, looking around the room. "Should we even bring him with us? We don't know what ramifications he could bring!"

Fulgrim calmly put a hand on her sister's shoulder.

"Please sister, the blame is not on him. He is only trying to help us," Fulgrim said. The Lion slapped away her hand. Fulgrim kept calm but swiftly moved to stand in The Lion's path at him. She oddly shielded him. Konrad oddly approved of the action, she did the same.

"Sisters can't you see the happiness he has brought us, for all the star's sake, he cured Angron of the butcher's nails, why must we doubt him? Has he not earned our trust, What more must he do for us!" She accused the room. The Lion had enough and stormed out of the room. Before she could leave the doorway she gave a cold look to the room.

"Argue about this thing that sits with us but I shall hunt the beast one way or the other," She drew her sword out. "If any of you wants to join me on the hunt, I will not protest,"

The Lion walked out into the halls readying for the hunt. The Khan swiftly joined her, some others followed suit, Mortarion and Russ and Ferruis walked out of the room. They didn't care for the silence of Horus, all they wanted was to take this threat out. Though when Russ stood in the doorway. She gave a quick nod to Horus, they had a strong bond and respect for each other. In the eyes of Russ, they were all family.

"Well, at least we found a hunting party," Sanguinius joked.

Fulgrim wanted to tell the truth about the new form she found with the help of Issei. Fulgrim eyes did catch onto Corvus who stayed in the room.

Issei didn't want any of this, all he wanted to know was why Horus held back his phone. The room was quiet as all of them waited for an answer. She stood quite unsure of what to say, she was in the wrong for once.

"Horus I'm not mad, I just want to know why," He asked calmly. Horus sat down on the steps of the stairs.

"I wanted to help the others, The phone was key to learning more about your world and adding to get back to ours. I should have told you but you carry such uncertain information it's hard to make decisions," She calmly gazed at the Issei, with an apologetic gaze. She pinched the bridge of her nose. "You are not normal, you are strange and yet in a couple of days, you were able to beat one of us in combat. I'm scared of you Issei, you are unknown to me, I was planning on giving you your phone back,"

Issei had to dig deep within himself to not punch himself in the face for scaring a girl. He lowered his head down, well at least he knew the reason now. Konrad had never thought Horus would be afraid of Issei. Angron wondered why Horus would be scared of Issei, he was so cute and harmless. Though he was more than enough to defeat them she could see the fear there.

"Well, there was that time he tackled me to the ground," Angron thought.

Rogal was shocked to hear such news. Magnus wanted to hear the reason for such fears. Issei may have a god in him but he was harmless.

Perturabo found the news to be shocking. She never thought one of them could feel fear in anything, the way their minds worked was to use logic and reason. So the idea of fear was foreign to them. Perturabo was not afraid of Issei, she found him to be impressive. He has fought against the supernatural with great might, now to add to his achievements by overcoming one of them, a perfect soldier made for war.

"There is Iron within him but the weakness of the heart holds him back,"

Lorgar had gently sat by her side. She would not let her sister fall in such sacred ways. Vulkan did the same, there was plenty of time to help their sister out.

"Sister, why are you afraid?" Lorgar asked softly.

Issei gave a humorous chuckle, making all of them turn to him. Angron and Konrad could not hear any mocking tone in his voice; it was humor. Fulgrim raised a brow, was this some level of childish behavior?

"What's so funny?" She asked.

"I'm sorry it's just I'm a mouse and you guys are elephants," Issei smiled, showing his happy side. All of them gave him a confused face at his answer.

"I don't understand," Vulkan said. Angron and Konrad wanted to comprehend but didn't understand the metaphor. Rogal and Perturabo didn't care, finding it to be a waste of time. Horus had heard of these elephants, giant creatures that once roamed Terra. While a mouse was a tiny creature.

"What do you mean Issei?" Horus asked.

"Oh sorry my bad, past things, well you see the elephant was a giant animal, but the mouse was tiny. There's an old saying that elephants fear mice because they could crawl in their trunks and suffocate them," Issei realized what he said and quickly slapped his forehead in regret. Konrad and Angron thought it was a bit dark for Issei. "Sorry that I might have come out the wrong way,"

Horus chuckled at his words.

"Oh, I see that is funny," Horus then gave a quick glance at him. "You're not wrong Issei, though I wished I could have seen the consequence of my action sooner than now,"

"Sorry, that's how it goes sometimes," He said. "If it means anything I'm sorry for making you uncomfortable,"

"Stop that," Horus said. Issei was confused by the comment. Lorgar wondered why Horus would object to Issei's kind words, he was only thinking about her.

"What?" He asked.

"Stop saying sorry to us, honestly we have more to apologize to you," Horus walked to the Issei who sat on the table.

"Yeah but I don't really care, you guys are different in a good way, I can't just tiptoe around you. I have to acknowledge your strength, skills, intelligence, and heck, your leadership. It is also okay to be afraid, I was scared the first time I met Angron and Konrad. Though the more I got to know them the less I got scared," Issei said in his brand of truth. Horus simply gazed at him and begrudgingly nodded her head. Horus had felt so childish at her action, why would she even doubt him at this point?

"Eh, it took five days for you to be ready to fight Fulgrim," She said.

"Imagine what a year would look like, he could possibly take on father," Sanguinius said now all eyes were on her. She gave a smile at the. "I'm joking of course,"

Magnus, Lorgar, Konrad, Fulgrim, and Angron wondered if it was in the realm of possibility, and truth it oddly did. Sanguinius wanted to change the talking and noticed how close some of her sisters were to Issei.

"Hmm well, it seems we found the ones who shall protect Issei,"

Issei nodded at them. Rogal, Perturabo, and Vulkan all had a glance at each other knowing they would be the ones to build the base with more protection. Guilliman of course watched afar from the room wondering what else they needed to talk about. Fulgrim could see her chance to speak and took it.

"Sister, I need to share some grand news," She said. Vulkan wanted the truth to be known in her sister's lighting form. Vulkan could feel the warp that was radiant off her in the battle with Issei.

"And Corvus still has to speak it," Vulkan called out. Issei was on the edge of his seat, he wanted to know what Fulgrim did. "What is a Matriarch?" He thought, wanting to know the whole truth. His better senses told him that they were more than human and beyond the supernatural.

"I, Fulgrim, had obtained a transformation to clash with Issei," She said.

All of them grew confused by her words. Rogal wondered if this meant she was a psyker. Magnus herself wanted to know what she meant by transform. The tone of her sister's voice felt too real. Horus had heard of people changing their appearance with the warp but by this logic that would have made Fulgrim a psyker.

"What do you mean?" Rogal asked.

"Well, Fulgrim kind of went all psycho-lighting chick mode," Fulgrim gazes a glaring side glance at him. He quickly looked the other way trying to avoid her gaze. Lorgar still couldn't believe what she had seen. How in the world could she do something like that? The room started to fill with murmurs and unsure tones.

Corvus stood up and gazed at all of them, knowing she had to drop her secret to the group. "You all must know something, that we in unknown manners are all connected to the Immaterium,"

Issei wonders what exactly this Immaterium was, every time it was brought up he wanted to ask about it but monsters hid within it. He would have to ask Que more about it, though he did know one thing; The warp was nothing but power.

Rogal felt irritated by the news as did Perturabo, this was important information that surely their father would tell them. Lorgar herself felt a sense of betrayal in her, she questioned the idea of their father lying to them but why? She gripped her fist but quickly calmed down, remembering someone who was with her.

"Issei I need to talk to you once again,"

"What manner of falsehood do you spread, if this is some ploy then you have failed," Rogal called out. The room temperature suddenly dropped to an icy cold. While a calm shadow dented the room.

All of them watched as their sister Corvus was replaced with something else. It was rare for her to do this and those who saw this form did not live to tell the story. The metal wings she wore twisted into raven wings. The black armor became sharper and more rigid. Her skin was now a pale deathly white, a black flame spread off her upper face as hundreds of red eyes. Her hair stood on edge flowing in the air; like it was in water. Her mouth had spread into her cheeks, as razor-sharp teeth. Her feet became black talons. She was now an apex avian monster.

All of them had their jaws dropped, and stared at the form. Rogal and Perturabo tried to use logic and reason but had no answer. Horus and Sanguinius wanted to draw their weapons but quickly remained calm, remembering that this was their sister. Magnus had felt a sense of loneliness vanish for such a long time, she was mocked by her other sister for having powers but with this, she didn't feel alone. The ones who witnessed Fulgrim's form were more grounded to reason yet it still marveled at her, though Konrad felt a bit scared of her sister's form.

Then she quickly returned to normal. The room had brightened and was not so cold. All of them had stunned gazes fixed on her. She was afraid of what would happen next only for Issei to speak up.

"Woah you oddly looked hot," Issei blurted out. Corvus had a flabbergasted look at him.

"You thought I was beautiful in my form?" She asked. Issei nodded, and Konrad let a soft giggle out. Angron gave an annoyed glance but knew Issei was a tad bit foolish. In truth, she didn't mind her sister's form.

Fulgrim smiled at her and put a comforting hand on her shoulder "Sister how could you hide such a grand beauty from us? I thought you looked dangerous and spectacular,"

Corvus' jaw dropped at how kind her sister was, most of the room was the same. Horus wondered what had taken over, then quickly realized it was Issei who had come over to her.

"That boy somehow brings out the best of us," Horus thought. Corvus had never seen her be this kind, it was so strange. She soon was surrounded by Angron, Lorgar, and Magnus complimenting her.

"Angron you don't mind my form?!" Corvus asked in shock. Angron huffed at her, in all honesty, she thought of making a bond between them, both had a hard life with oppression. The only thing she wanted was to be free, why not wish upon others?

"If you could tolerate me being a mindless brute, then I don't mind at all sister," Angron said. She was shocked to be called that by Angron. Corvus gave a shocked laugh.

"I wonder how you got like this," She asked in happy relaxed joy. Angron pointed her thumb at Issei who waved at them. "He did,"

"Please let us not get off topic and focus on our sister's superpowered form," Guilliman said getting the room's attention. She then looked at Issei who shyly gazed at Angron. Guilliman had to be a fool not to notice how close Angron and Konrad got to Issei. While the loving gaze shared across the room.

"And you have to explain this," Guilliman said pointing both at Angron and Issei.

"Explain what sister?" Angron asked, not appreciating her sister's tone with them. Konrad rolled her eyes at Gulilman seeing how she was suspicious of them. Perturabo had seen plenty of videos on Issei to see he had some sort of great effect on the opposite sex. He had the natural charisma to befriend Konrad, Angron, and what looked like to be even Fulgrim's trust. Perturabo soon became suspicious of his nature.

"Hmm, if I didn't know any better I would say he was making a harem out of us but that's impossible," She thought.

"Why does she even care?" Konrad asked in her mind. Though the room was filled with so many questions about Corvus's form, Lorgar had been trying to not overwhelm herself with questions. Now knowing the warp was within but granted Lorgar figured the warp was in almost anything living.

"Since when are you capable of such a feat?" Rogal asked. Corvus slowly sat down on a chair to her right. She looked down to the ground remembering the moment she had unlocked her form.

"It was in a time of great strife and pain when I obtained this ability. I found myself in a state of being pushed to my limits and more," Corvus said. Fulgrim realized that the duel between her and Issei was the toughest battle she had, Issei simply forced it out of her. The whole room logically deduced this was natural for them; though all of them had never even thought they could be pushed further. Many of them had to take time to think of the news. Vulkan wonders what situation would push her to gain this power.

"Well, that answers that question," Horus said. Issei had his jaw dropped, realizing most of them didn't know they could push further.

"That's badass guys," Issei said. Guilliman gave him a harsh glance at him.

"This is no game boy!" She yelled back at him. Issei was calm and wasn't affected by her raised voice. Angron and Konrad glared at her, which she noticed only supported more of her idea of them being together.

"I know but you guys clearly love to learn and explore so why not try to reach new heights?" Issei let out. Oddly some of them were touched by that. Horus, Rogal, Pertuabro, and even Sanguinius. Many of them felt eased by his words, only wanting to see them become stronger. Horus wanted to take care of another issue at hand.

"Issei starting today you'll be staying in the area for the remainder of the time," Horus said. "Angron, Konrad, Lorgar, and Fulgrim you shall not be watching over him,"

"WHAT?!" They said in unison.

"It's a logical choice, we can see your emotion for him would cloud some of your judgments," Guilliman said. Horus agreed, many of them noticed how close some of them were getting and some found it strange for one of them to fall in love. Rogal had to admire that Issei could see the beauty in them. Konrad and Angron's violent nature had been quilted. Lorgar had not been spewing her nonsense for a while and Fulgrim now at a humble tone to her.

"What right do you have to say we can't protect him? And our feelings for him are none of your concern!" Angron said back in a low irritated growl. Konrad narrowed her eyes at Horus.

"Then who did you have in mind?" Konrad barked. Horus glanced at the Queen of Iron herself.

"Perhaps Pertuabro could-"

"No!" Pertuabro cut off Horus, She would not be babysitting this human while work needed to be done. Horus was shocked by her words. "Apologies, sister, I forgot you had the phone business to take off,"

"I still want to get that back," Issei inquired but no one responded to his request. Making only Lorgar softly pat his back. Guilliman then had an idea and glanced at Horus. "Perhaps if anyone should watch this little walking disaster,"

"Hey standing right here you big blueberry!" Issei called out. Angron and Konrad smirked at the comment. Lorgar had to hold a laugh back.

"It should be you Horus, we can all agree on that," She said.

Angron grumbled but knew Horus was the most trusted, Konrad thought the same but only wanted to watch over Issei. "Okay, I have an idea. How about you guys let me be because I can take care of myself?"

"No!" Every matriarch in the room said. Fulgrim gasped and shook her head. "Issei we are doing this for your own good,"

Vulkan quickly got up and wanted to reassure him of his danger. "Issei please do not take our proactive action against you, Eldar are dangerous and can twist you physically and mentally. They must not be trusted,"

Issei found Vulkan's words to be a little weird. This Eldar did try to kidnap him but he could feel the hate in her voice. "Were they really that bad?" Issei thought.

"Oh fine, but after this I need to talk to Magnus for a couple of seconds okay?" Horus had gazed at him with a questioning gaze. Issei mentally slapped himself. "In private!"

All of them had quarrels burning within them. Though the worst was Horus, she had been thinking about how Sanguinius would need to stay away from them. She refused to have her sister fall to her blood rage.

"Enough talking, we need to get to work!" Rogal said leaving the room. Perturabo left to work on her beacon. Though she felt a missed opportunity studying him. Vulkan left but gave Issei a calm nod. Issei did the same and patted his sword. Sanguniuis left with Guilliman quickly leaving the room. Horus marched out the door same with others following suit. Though Angron and Konrad gave him a quiet glance; their eyes saying they'll be back no matter what Horus said. Issei gave a sly wink to them. Getting a smile out of them. The only two left in the room were Magnus and Issei. There was a long pause of silence between them, Issei thought how foolish it was to ask this favor but he needed to.

"What is it you wish to say to me Issei?" Magnus asked.

"Magnus I need to find Malayalam,"

Her eyes widened in surprise but a happy smile appeared on her face. "You don't say,"

"But I'm gonna need to dip from Horus," Issei gave Magnus a worried glance. "You think we can sneak out of here, maybe tomorrow?"

"Oh, Issei, sometimes we must break rules to reach our goal," She smirked as the two had devolved into a plan behind closed doors.

Angron, Konrad, Lorgar, and Fulgrim gave Horus a heated glare, all wanting. Never had she seen her sisters act like this towards her, it wasn't some form of envy or sibling rivalry, it was more personal. Horus had felt a bit squeamish at the moment.

"Issei will be watched with good eyes, sisters so I would not be worried," Horus said. Angron tilted her head in an interesting manner.

"You're nervous," She stated calmly. Horus narrowed her eyes at how she used her tricks to read her. "Tsk, tsk, tsk sister, you need to have a steady head to guard him,"

"And what good is a guard, when she is afraid of the person she is supposed to protect," Konrad chimed. Then gave a sly smirk "Little elephant,"

"Horus, Issei is beautiful, the way he controls shadows is amazing, it's nothing like the warp, Issei is from another universe, he is a friend to us," Lorgar said. Horus lowered her head down. She would do this task so the others would prevail. The doors opened as Issei walked out first.

"So where are we going Horus?" Issei asked.

"We're going to a safe room in the lower parts of the building, it's underground," Horus led them away wanting to get out of her sisters' gaze. Issei gave them a quick nod. Magnus had now stood with them.

"Do not worry sister, your Issei has a plan. He wanted me to let you know what he is doing," Magnus told them through their minds. Angron smirked wondering what he had planned.

Meanwhile on Terra.

In the golden throne room, the Emperor sat in his chair, his face only showing a stoic nature. The Emperor was gathered by high official leaders, many first captains were there, Malcador stood by his side, and in the far right knelt a gold-armored giant. Who held a magnificent spear in his hand. The grand mighty technologically advanced, fabricated general stood in the room. While legendary commanders and high-ranking officers accompanied them.

The Emperor spoke, his voice filled the room with a grand angelic voice. The whole room watched their emperor eagerly, tapping his fingers on the golden throne itself. His war claw was sharp enough to slice into the fabric of reality.

"My Imperium, we have been tossed into a world of dismay, I have lost my precious daughters. I need you to search for them, I can not remove myself from this throne, I must guide you through the stars," His glowing white eyes shined at them. "So I ask you to aid the search,"

The emperor picked up his flaming sword, it was a glowing Prometheus of light and pointed outward facing the doors to the throne chamber.

"The search shall be led by one, Constantin Valdor,"

So this was Chapter 24, we can finally get to the lost Matriarchs. So yay anyway my posting schedule is a bit out of wack. I have been going through some drama stuff. I lost something close to me and I couldn't find the energy to write. also, I've got a lot of work but I won't give up on this story and not the others. I thank you all so much we finally reached 300 followers, and I've never thought I would get this much support but thank you all. This next week I'll post another react fic. I wanted to save The Lion's reaction and Mortarion for later.

Thank you and I hope you all have a great day.