(Chapter 25: Shadow Liberation: Part 4)
It would soon be the end of February as the Raven Guard alongside the Ultimatrix wielder, would have the Orks on the backfoot and successfully exterminated them outright in their presence on Zenthon. As such Branwen was hard at work with Ben, Branne and Agapito to plan out the final phase of Operation Hell Scorpion, that would if all went accordingly that the entirety of the Orks would be eradicated in one fell swoop.
(February 29th, 950. M30, Zenthon, 11:25 Pm)
It would be nearing half-past 11 at night as Ben alongside the Raven Guard Librarians would be assisting with the rescue of the last portion of the Planetary Defense Force and the rounded up civilians the Orks had captured; before the assault would begin.
'Alright, let's get this done.' Were the Ultimatrix wielder's thoughts as he traveled alongside the Librarians and a Assault Squad of Raven Guard
With Ben as Ultimate Armordrillo continuing to guide them to their objective, via his rapid tunneling to and underneath the Ork encampment, wherein the caverns he was able to quickly burrow and form stable caverns for them to traverse their way through. The long mile towards the encampment for their hybrid rescue mission/assault on what was to be one of the last Ork encampments, in order to draw out the Warboss leading it was a silent yet grit filled affair.
However, those gathered remained silent as they traversed beneath the encampment, the sounds of their armor and their footsteps being rendered almost null amidst the sound of the Ultimatrix wielders' burrowing through the almost endless cavern…With it being another 8 maybe 12 minutes before they would reach the Ork Encampment in question, wherein Ultimate Armordrillo would soon shift into Portaler and would begin their plan to rescue and evacuate those held captive; while assassinating the Orks within the encampment.
As such the Assault Squad would begin their swift dismantling of the Orks patrolling the area, either by slitting their throats open with Power Blades, landing swift shots to the throat, skull, or spines with Bolt Pistols, or the Librarians using their psychic might to murder them by the handful through shadows and unkindnesses of ravens. With the Astartes making sure that any patrolling Ork and their Gretchens that were milling about were not only quickly snuffed out in short succession, but that any Ork or their goblin-like minions who went to investigate would find nothing but blood splatters in the aftermath. Hence why, those that wre patrolling the encampment would find themselves growing confused why more and more of their Boyz were disappearing without a trace, and only blood splatters being left in the wake of it.
All the while, Portaler would alongside the Librarians; would make quick work in locating the holding cells of where the members of the Zenthon's P.D.F and the remainder of the captured civilians. All of whom were put into holding pens, clustered together in their own filth, dried blood, grime, and even…excrement much to Ben's horror and fury as they surveyed the area; that held everyone from men, women, elderly and even children as young as 13. That the Ultimatrix wielder had to swallow hard in order not to vomit from the sight that had almost become commonplace; whenever he had to do these rescues of civilians from the greenskins.
But his disgust and growing anger aside, would Portaler work alongside the Librarians in order to en masse teleport those being held to a designated safety zone within the Raven Guard encampment. Wherein Portaler's powers worked surprisingly in tandem with that of the Librarians who were able to use the formers' portal generation to generate large black portals of inky void to form out of the ether and above those who were slumbering in multiple void like sinkholes. That upon descending downwards, as Portaler conducted where each would go to engulf them in transporting them to their destination, in warbling spheres of inky black mixed with swirling flashes of emerald and absinthe.
With the process taking a few minutes of carefully getting everyone within the holding pins teleported to the safety zones in question, wich while done in seemingly short succession, was by no means a easy task. Given that Portaler had to work in concert with the Librarians to make sure that it was done not only quietly so as not to rouse any suspicions, but with complete focus so as not to destablize the portal and cause any potentially fatal mishaps in the process…Something that the Ultimatrix wielder would throughout the time it would take to transport their marks through the portals, have him relieved as the minutes maneuvering each portal and using it to transport them in 1/100th of a second was an intensive process.
Yet it was one that worked to great effect as what was once a crowded holding station for the 'humies' to be made into livestock and slaves, was now a barren field of mud, compacted snow, and the Raven Guard and turtle-like alien standing in the midst of everything.
"Tennyson we have successfully neutralized the Orks guarding the area." One Nykona Sharrowkyn informed the Ultimatrix wielder
"That's awesome to hear, Sergeant. Now we just have to get to work on getting rid of the rest of these idiots…" Portaler said back before turning into Heatblast
"What did you have in mind?" The Raven Guard Sergeant asked
"Do you know why I had your friends in the Assault Squad bring those bombs along?" Heatblast asked as he cracked his fiery knuckles
"Commander Branne mentioned it was for a surprise you had for the Greenskins." Nykona replied
"Correct you are, this will be some of my funniest work yet. That's why I'm going to need you and a handful of your battle brothers; to spread these out to any vehicle, weapons, or artillery they have. Once that's down, I'm going to make some fireworks happen." Heatblast told the Raven Guard Sergeant
"Are you not worried that you will be caught in the blast radius? Even if you set off the explosives, that is still a considerable explosion to deal with." Nykona questioned with a level of concern in his voice in contrast to the almost excited tone in Heatblast's voice
"Not at all, and trust me this isn't the first time I've done this…It certainly won't be the last, so trust me when I say I got this." Heatblast answered back in complete confidence
"With that in mind, we should get to work while they don't notice a thing. We still have the element of surprise for a reason, don't we?" Heatblast further spoke spoke
"That we do…Good luck, Tennyson." The Raven Guard Sergeant spoke before heading back to his men
'After this, I just have to worry about the big boss. Then everything will be smooth sailing afterwards.' Heatblast remarked to himself at how he and the 19th legion were at the proverbial finish line
(1 week later, Zenthon, 7:45 Pm, March 8th, 951. M30)
It would be roughly a week later, as Ben and Branwen and a considerable number of Raven Guard were tucked away within one of the hive cities; where they were planning their last attack on the Orks that Ben had lured to their location.
"And you are positive this is going to work, Ben?" The Raven Guard Matriarch asked
"Trust me it will, and the best part we're barely gonna have to lift a finger…These green idiots are literally gonna take themselves out." Ghostfreak answered back as he witnessed the Warboss and his remaining guards walk into one of his traps
"Speaking of, they just got nailed…Man, making traps will never get old." Ghostfreak chuckled to himself as half a platoon of Orks were cartoonishly flattened by a mallet the size of a RHINO
"I feel as though I should have asked this earlier…How much of the city did you booby trap during the past week?" Branwen asked before a bright green and pink explosion went off in the distance
"Enough...Come on, Nykona, let's get to work" Was Ghostfreak's answer over the Vox
"Right behind you, Tennyson." Came the response of the Raven Guard Sergeant as he alongside a small squad of Raven Guards went to work in eliminating the Orks
"I do not know what you have done here, but let it be enough to end this quickly." Branwen said to herself before she and her Shadow Wardens took flight to strike down their enemies
From thereon an assault on 4 fronts began as the Orks led by their Warboss had found themselves divided and constantly off-balanced and off kilter by Ben's booby traps that were a combination of cartoonish pranks and lethal handiwork…Soon enough the once vacant Hive City would explode into widespread chaos, as everything from multicoreed paint-clouds, deafening explosions, the thudding of metal crunching machinery or Boyz and their Gretchens, and even roads collapsing to reveal an assortment of hidden 'surprises'. Which while offputting to the company of Orks assembled to wage a long-awaited scrap against the 'beaky Boyz, 'their giant raptor Warboss', and that shapeshiftin' git who had been messing with them from the jump.
The Talons led by Agapito were taking full advantage of the Orks being disoriented by the clouds of multicolored smoke, that had been triggered by Ben's use of Gutrot to make a plethora of definitely 'smoke bombs'. Which had varying effects from acting as tear gas so potent that it made them scratch incessantly at their eyes, hallucinogens that made them feel as though they were being chased by a pack of rabid Vulpinmancers, their skin and bones made of Laffy Taffy. On top of other effects that outright had them projectile vomiting and defecating themselves to the point they were propelled 20 feet into the air, would make them easy targets for the Talons to strike down with nigh impunity.
Who would strike them down from afar with Bolter fire from both their Sniper Rifles or their Boltguns with pinpoint accuracy, or using Meltaguns to decimate them in no short order as they floundered about in a confused and gibbering heap. With said tactical squads making sure that any and all Orks were eliminated through well-placed headshots, while those on Assault Bikes and Land Speeders would make lightning-quick drive-by assaults through the use of mounted Combi-Bolters to swiftly eliminate the Orks present.
Meanwhile, the combination of Branwen her Shadow Guard, and half of the Raptors present were leading a bloody shadow assault on any Orks in sight, the Matriarch, her Honor Guard, and the Assault Marines alongside her, as the trio of Thunderhawks followed above and behind her. That the combination was nothing if not a vicious sight to behold, as those under Branwen's command acted as an airborne scourge of lightning-quick gunfire barrages, phantom-like assaults of disappearing almost phasing into the shadows around them. That the only illuminations that could be seen in the midst of the bedlam were the firing of Meltas to destroy any Ork vehicles and tanks in sight, Bolters being fired before Astartes would leap into the pitch once more, and then there was Branwen.
Wherein Branwen found herself going into an almost flow state of ravaging everything in sight, from artillery pieces, tanks, Orks, Weirdboyz, it did not matter to the Lady of Ravens as she cut through them with Raven's Talons as though they were pieces of cardboard before a chainsword. However, as she found herself going further and further into this autopilot of devastating hit and runs, did she become faster and faster, her armor almost seeming to melt into the shadows of the late evening. Where Branne and a few others alongside a few Librarians noticed the shadows almost melting into her, and at times extending her reach into far more monstrous claws, as at the apex of it all would she appear to morph into a monstrous humanoid raven with many predatory and beady crimson colored eyes searching for their next prey.
The sight of which being enough to send terror through any of the Boyz that were caught to unfortunately be in her sights, as what could only be described as a mass of shadows, armor, claws wreathed in darkness, and eyes of dull platinum; would lance out at them and turn them into a bloody pulp. All before reappearing as Branwen once more only this time covered in an almost phantasmal cloak of darkness, that blotted out the sight of even their strongest Burnaz, as well as the psychic attacks of their Weirdboyz. The sight of the Matriarch and her assembled cadre of Shadow Wardens and the Raptors provided a sobering sight amidst the gunfire of the Thunderhawks above that, this wasn't a Scrap so much as it was an inescapably lopsided bloodbath.
All the while, Ben who had turned into Shocksquatch was currently with Nykona and Branne Nev battling against the Ork Warboss named Captain Facefang Bloodspittah amidst the chaos of the Librarians and the Raptors laying waste to the Orks. Whereinn the forces thereof had been whittled down after running into or being the subject of Ben's booby traps that had run the gammet of mass electrocution when they took cover behind a building, their vehicles being shredded as they failed to stop at a stop sign triggering man-sized road-spikes to erupt. To hydranks and sewer wells suddenly blasting them with pressurized sewage the moment that so much as a Gretchen stepped on a sewer grate or manhole cover with enough force to shave away flesh, and any building they went inside…That by itself was a dealers' choice of dealing with paint-bombs that would explode into serrated razorblades, pressure plates that if stepped wrong would spray you with face-melting acid, or dealing with comically oversized rockets ploughing into them.
That the area around them all was nothing if not pure chaos and it was something the Ultimatrix wielder thrived in, as he, Nykona, and Branne proceeded to 3V1 the Ork Warboss; wherein said Warboss found themselves on the uneasy backfoot. With it being between Shocksquatch's electrified attacks at close to mid range that constantly fried them within their piecemeal armor, Nykona's aggressive yet omnidirectional offensive that ranged a flurry of thrusts, jabs and hacking sideswipes, before dashing into the shadows, and reappearing to do it once more. Then there was Branne who dual-wielded a pair of Heavy Bolt Pistols proceeded to provide support at range, as he aimed with an almost surgical precision at the Warboss's joints, making each time he would counter or block an attack from Nykona or Shocksquatch, that their knees, elbows, shoulders, hips, and any other exposed area would pay dearly.
"Hey, let's wrap this up! This Warboss idiot ain't worth shit if we can walk him down this easy." Shocksquatch spoke as he nailed the towering Ork with an electrified right cross
"Agreed, let's get this done/I couldn't have said it better myself, Tennyson." Were the responses of the Raven Guard Astartes
"I don' whooz you think you arz, but you ain't beatein'..." Captain Facefang Bloodspittah tried to say before a lightning-covered right hook to his face broke his jaw
The following sequence of events being nothing if not devastating for the battered, cut open, and fried, given how Shocksquatch used his electrical powers to send 2 ruined Warbuggies into Captain Facefang with such force that he was sent flying a full 30 feet overhead. Wherein Nykona was able to quickly intercept him through the use of his Jump-Pack firing off into the sky and not only shoulder-check him back down into the melee, but lop off one of his arms in an impressive display of swordsmanship, speed, and skill. The Ultimatrix wielder and Raven Guard then making the Ork's descent a punishing one wherein Shocksquatch as he closed the distance, pelted the Warboss with anything that wasn't bolted down as electrified missiles.
All the while, Nykona had decided that now was as good a time as any; to put the afterburners that Ben had installed into his Jump Pack to good use, and in doing so felt his speed double if not triple, before he then turned himself into a whirlwind of blades against the Warboss. Meanwhile, Branne was putting his sharpshooting skills to good use as he used both Heavy Bolt Pistols to deal as much damage as possible to his target, from shooting out both his eyes so he could not see a thing, blasting apart his jaw that had been turned to mincemeat from Nykona's rapid-fire blade strikes, and shooting off his right leg at the knee. All of these attacks and more made it so that by the time Shocksquatch had close the distance after pelting said Ork with electrified debris at a pace that could match any Assault Cannon, that he would deliver his finishing blow in all its glory.
That being a Superman punch so potent in its delivery that the Ultimatrix wielder was shrouded in a cloak of golden electricity, so intense that it not only plowed through the Warboss to the point of turning them into a pile of ash the moment they made contact. But having him careenin through any Ork in a 40-foot line of outright obliteration, leaving nothing but electrified scrap, Shootaz, Choppaz, and blown through artillery in his wake. Before quickly turning into Big Chill and regrouping with Branne and Nykona to continue the elimination of any of the Orks that were still remaining in their crosshairs, as the night would end as it had begun, swiftly, bloodily, and in the cover of night.
(2 and a half days later, 8:53 Am, Raven Guard Encampment, March 11th, 951. M30)
It would be a few short days later as Ben was meeting up with Branwen to discuss his next move now that things were completed and done with in Zenthon, now that the Ork hordes had been dealt with.
"I am surprised that you are not staying, Ben. I had figured that you would have to enjoy the fanfare of our victory." Branwen Corax spoke with the Ultimatrix wielder
"You guys can enjoy all that stuff, but I have a lot of stuff to do. Between going to help Konstance and Furiosa on Nostramo, taking a pitstop to Morganna's homeworld to help out there. Work on the gear I promised I'd get done for Sekhmet's boys in the Mournival, and a short list of other stuff on my plate...I'm pretty much running on a full schedule." Ben listed off on what he had to work on for his itenerary
"Besides, I have had more than my share of parades and celebrations. After doing this for 20-plus years, I could do without one or two." Ben further spoke in having had more than his fair share of victory-filled fanfare after years of being an intergalactic war hero from his own timeline
"I cannot say that I blame you for abstaining from these things. I am not one for them as well, but I must attend them nonetheless. My station as the 19th Legion's commander and one of the Emperor's daughters makes it one of my obligations…Even if I despise doing so." The Lady of Ravens replied in having not cared for the bombast that came in the aftermath of liberating worlds
"Huh, I figured that you would enjoy that kind of thing. Y'know being a freedom-fighting badass and all that stuff." Ben said to the towering Matriarch
"Hmph, do not get me wrong. While I do enjoy the praise and celebration that comes from liberating the oppressed. Especially when my sons are celebrated as heroes for the hard work they have done. I could do without all of the excess, the frilly perfumed debauchery, and the stuffiness that comes from dealing with those who organize such things…Especially when they care less for the work you have done and more for what they can get; from making alliances with a Matriarch." Branwen said back in rather taking a small ceremony or celebratory affair than anything overblown or bombastic
"Oooofff, if it's any consolation. I know how you feel. I can't tell you the amount of political marriages, I've had to turn down when I really got going in my hero career….I prefer to keep my peace of mind, rather than get tied down to someone who's doing it just to get a leg up in the galaxy." Ben spoke in having not missed the days where he would be hounded by such things from the royalty, galactic big-wigs, and rulers of planets and star systems like to ally with them in political power plays or marriages
"I will take a stab in the dark and say that the Xenos and humans of your time, were as conniving as the ones of ours?" Branwen questioned
"Let's just say that it is one of the things from my time that I do not miss. If I had to put with another one of them, I think I would've popped blood vessel or 5." Ben answered back
"It is one of the few advantages I will take from this timeline over my old one." Ben further spoke
"Fair enough…That being said, what will you do after you finish your current list of duties? The Great Crusade and our Father will have more than enough work to keep you busy. In tandem, with your own wants and needs, I doubt you will have a dull moment to spare."The Lady of Raven inquired of the Ultimatrix wielder
"I really don't know. The best I can say to that; is I will do as much as I can to help you guys out. Otherwise, it will be business as usual for me, before I came here…Except for a few other things I've got planned in the works." Ben answered back in regards to a number of pet projects he had cooking
"Any in particular that I should be aware of?" Branwen wondered
"There is one that I have in mind; that'll help out with future Xenos that you guys are gonna encounter. It's still in the starter phases before I can get it off the ground. But once I do, then things are gonna change by a WIDE mile." Ben said back with high hopes for the project that he and the Emperor were cooking for the Astartes
"What is this project exactly? Is it the same one that you and Lorna have been planning out?" Branwen Corax asked the Ultimatrix wielder
"No, that's something entirely different. What Lorna and some of the others are cooking up, is something that's still getting the kinks worked out…What I'm talking about is something that involves all of your guys's Legions." Ben said gaining the further interest of the Raven Guard Matriarch
"What plan do you have that could involve all of the Astartes?" Branwen Corax further wondered
"The best way I can describe it, without making it sound too complicated. Would be that with all of what is out there, and what I have a feeling can be out there in the galaxy. Is that what I'm going to put together with the Emperor's approval…Which by the way, I didn't think I'd see him agree to so stupid fast. It's something that's going to take the best and brightest Marines from each of the Legions. From there we put them together and have them work as a strike team to defend against, study the weaknesses, strengths, behavior and so on of, contain and kill if needed any and all Xenos in the known galaxy." Ben informed the Lady of Ravens
Wherein Ben knew that in order to have an active defensive force against the various Xenos of this timeline, both to catalogue which were hostile, which were an immediate threat to be eliminated, and which were to be relegated as 'safe', that a squadron would be needed. Hence why, in his correspondences with the Emperor on Terra did he float around and eventually get the go-ahead to work alongside him in the growing formation of the Deathwatch to act as a Xenos-based defense force.
With the Ultimatrix wielder seeing it as a net positive in order to counter Xenos, and bring the best from each Legion to do so, from the stealth and guerilla warfare tactics of the Raven Guard, the psychic strength of the Thousand Sons, the siege and engineering skills of an Iron Warrior, the masterful assault skills of a Luna Wolf and so much more. That it would be with these elements working under one unified force, that Ben knew that it would go a long way in making sure that as the Imperium and moreso the galaxy became further known; that Xenos lethal or otherwise could be regulated in what was and wasn't destroyed.
"The name is still a work in progress, but I think that the one the Emperor came up with is pretty cool. So far we've settled on calling this little number, the Deathwatch initiative." Ben further spoke
"This sounds impressive too be honest…When do you think this Deathwatch of yours will be fully operational?" Branwen Corax said curious when everything would be
"With everything going on, making sure a proper command center is built, and scouting for candidates. It's not going to be until a decade or two before its all ready." Ben told the Raven Guard Matriarch
"Are you sure you will be able to live that long? No offense, but 10 to 20 years while short for my sons and myself, is a substantial amount of time for humans." Branwen Corax questioned
"Trust me, I'll be alive and kicking when it happens…A lot of weird and crazy stuff happened back in my timeline to make that happen. Honestly, I'm not even sure if I can grow old and kick the bucket anymore." Ben nonchalantly said back at the fact of his potential immortality
"...Should I even want to know how that is possible?" Branwen Corax asked
"All I can say is that when you try to contain the power of a Big Bang at 16, it has some side effects…That is all I can say without getting into one very weird day." Ben answered back
"The more that I learn about you, the more insane your life becomes to me." Branwen Corax spoke absolutely flabbergasted by hearing him do something to that effect as a teenager
"Trust me, that's some of the most tame stories I've been up to…Honestly, with everything I told you about myself on that mystery planet. I figured you would be used to me telling you about this stuff." Ben replied in seeing his cosmic misadventures that would be a campaign at most for a Chapter or Legion as another Monday
"While that is true, it still doesn't negate that you are by far; one of the most interesting humans I have ever met." The Raven Guard Matriarch said back still surprised by all of what Ben has done until now
"Thanks, anyways I gotta continue packing if I want to meet up with Konstance and Furiosa on Nostramo. It's a good thing I had my Megaships follow behind us just in case." Ben told the Lady of Ravens whose often stoic features cracked with surprise at this chestnut of information
"How long have you had your ships follow behind us? Furthermore, do you know how to get to Nostramo from here?" Branwen Corax questioned wondering how he had his Megaships follow behind them for so long
"To answer your first question, my megaships have been following us here since we left Terra. I just had them activate some cloaking tech I put on them while were staying there. Then to answer your second question, Konstance gave me the coordinates the week before I left to help you." Ben answered back as though he were talking about going to grab himself a smoothie
"I…I am both impressed and even surprised by how effective you are." Was Branwen's only response
"Between dealing with Forever Knights, Vilgax, the Incurseans, the Kryptonians, Z'Skayr, then Eon trying to overwrite space-tme to become a multiversal god…That's not even counting 3 wars I've been apart of. Being prepared for just about anything is a must." Ben said back as his expression slowly morphed into a thousand-yard stare in remembering everything he had been through thus far
"Are you ok, Ben?" The Lady of Ravens questioned in seeing the almost vacant but intense furious look on his face
"Yeah, Yeah, I'm fine. Just some things I remembered were coming back is all. Nothing to be worried about." Ben assured the Matriarch as he snapped himself back to reality
"I will take you at word, Ben…In the meantime, I hope that you will at least stay long enough to celebrate our victory. We could not have won as quickly without you." Branwen requested from the Ultimatrix wielder
"I don't see why I can't…Besides, a little celebratory afterparty never hurt anyone." Ben said back as he finished packing one of is trunks full of supplies and gear
'Man this is gonna be a long couple of years or decades ahead of me…But I won't lie when I say that it feels great to be back in the mix of things! Almost feels like home now that I think about it.' Ben remarked to himself in being happy that he was on a fast-paced schedule to bring out his full talents
(4 hours later, Prospero, Ultima Segmentum, 1:10 Pm)
All the while on Prospero, Lorna was currently alongside Morganna the two deciding to do a bit of training with each other, wherein not only Lorna was learning how to better utilize her psychic powers under The Crimson King. It was also that her Librarius were learning alongside the Thousand Sons to better increase the strength and output of their own psychic talents, to better define themselves as soldiers of the Imperium.
"Thank you again for agreeing to help not only myself, but my Librarius, Morganna. It means quite a lot to have my sisters assist me." Lorna Aurellian said to her one-eyed sister who levitating books in rapid succession to her person
"It is not a problem at all, Lorna! All that you had to do was simply request this of me, and I would have said yes regardless. I will never turn away someone who wishes to expand the psychic strength of what they can accomplish!" Morganna the Red replied ecstatic to help others reach their fullest as a Psyker
"Especailly when they are making as much progress as you have! Finally, I can mentor and show one of my sisters all of what can be done as a Psyker!" The Crimson Queen almost squealed in joy of such things
"I did not think I would have much talent if at all as a Psyker. Yet here I am; able to unleash powers, I never thought possible. I never would have imagined that my own convictions; would afford me the ability to call forth the strength of the sun." Lorna Aurellian replied as she continued to write in her own book with a small yet proud smile
"Indeed, and while I would not say it is as strong as a sun just yet. I know that in due time, your powers will be able to outshine even the brightest of stars…You already show a growing affinity towards pyromancy and a strong one at that." Morganna the Red noted at Lorna's powers with her holy light also having branched into holy flames as well
"...Apologies, for accidentally setting one of your city's buildings ablaze. I did not know I could wield the power of fire beforehand. I was simply trying to make a shield as you have instructed me…Then almost out of nowhere, golden flames are burning everywhere." The Urizen apologized once more for her accidental bout of pyrokinesis
"It is alright, you have nothing to blame yourself for. Accidents happen even to the best of us, regardless of our skill levels." Morganna the Red spoke after finishing collecting an assortment of books on philosophy and the study of the mind
"Even someone as esteemed as myself in the psychic arts; has a few hiccups from time to time." Morganna the Red further spoke in comfort to her sister
"Yours cannot have been as bad as lightning a clothing store on fire, can it?" Lorna Aurellian queried
"A few years ago, during one of our campaigns to bring a world to compliance. I had become a little too excited at finding a hidden library on mysticism and the study of alchemy …So much so that I had caused a hurricane to erupt and nearly sink a few island countries." Morganna the Red sheepishly admitted
"Y-You did what?!" Were the words of the Word Bearers Matriarch
"In my defense, I made sure to have my men and I reverse the problem as soon as it happened. Even now I have to remember that with my powers comes immense responsibility over them. Something that you must practice as well, Lorna." The Thousand Sons Matriarch told her sister with seriousness bleeding through her often studious and excitable demeanor
"Being a Psyker means that at all times we must exercise caution when wielding our powers. More than anything do we carry powers that are dangerous not only to ourselves, but those around us. Which is why I stress this to all Astartes under my command. That regardless of their strength as a Psyker, their talents in their respective fields, or the potency of what they can accomplish. That it is at all times, they much practice not only the responsible use of their powers both on and off the field, and when using their powers. It is also that they must take responsibility for those injured or maimed by them as well. For the weight of our powers and the damage done, is far greater than any Bolter, Lascannon, or Flamer." Morganna the Red further spoke in seeing that with being a Psyker came a weighty responsibility in using your powers
Wherein the Thousand Sons Matriarch knew that with her leading a Legion that not only specialized in psychic warfare, but the study of and understanding of the Warp, that the utilization of psychic powers was not a plaything in any capacity. With Morganna being more than acutely aware of the dangers of improperly or irresponsible use of ones powers as a Psyker could cause, and with the curse of her Legion a looming threat, did she drill into her Astartes the use of responsibly using their psychic powers.
The Crimson Queen having made it so that if anyone was caught misusing their Psychic powers, in any way, shape, or form that would cause unnecessary damage, endanger their allies, or would risk the potential of Warp abominations to appear; that they would be punished swiftly for their actions.
"I understand the seriousness of using my powers, Morganna. It is why, I also instruct my sons to be careful with them as well…Especially after our ventures on that unknown planet, the strength of the Warp is nothing to be taken lightly." The Urizen replied knowing that after the events of Karakinos that underestimating anything from the Warp would be a vast detriment to herself and others around her
"I am glad that you see things that way, Lorna…That planet was a wake-up call for many of us." The Crimson Queen said back in having gained a shift in perspective on how she had once done things
"Agreed, it is why it has brought forth many changes within me." Lorna Aurellian spoke as she continued to write in her book
"Not only regarding the placement of my faith and devoutness towards our father. But also in the way things have been done within the Word Bearers…Both being things I have grossly mishandled." Lorna Aurellian further spoke much to the curiosity of the one-eyed Matriarch
"Would you care to elaborate? While I can understand in regards to the knowledge of the Ruinous Powers, bringing about a change of ideals. I do not quite understand how it has led to a gross mishandling of your Legion." Morganna the Red asked of her sister who closed her incomplete tome that she had restricted to become not the Legio Divinaticus but instead the Book of Lorna as she'd called it
"You know of my background in religion, do you not? Of how I was raised within the faith of Colchis under my foster father." Lorna Aurellian asked back
"I am aware of your fathers' treatment of you, and how you were raised to be a zealot of your planets religion." Morganna the Red answered in having done her research on Lorna's history and having even interviewed those on Colchis and Lorna herself many a time
"...Now that I am aware of the 'deities' within the Warp, as well as how Kor handles himself within my Legion. Alongside a rising aspirant in my Legions' ranks named Erebus among others. I feel as though something may be brewing within my Legion….Something foul at work that chills the blood in my body." Lorna Aurellian told her fellow Matriarch
"Do you suspect that your foster father may be assembling a cabal to worship the Ruinous Powers?...Not only that but spread their worship throughout your Legion?" The Crimson Queen asked
"Given that upon my recollection of events and the investigation of such heresy. I have found something that caused my suspicions to perhaps be more than that." Lorna Aurellian answered back
"As it turns out, the religion that Kor once fervently preached. One that he had tried to relentlessly beat and enforce into my very core. That it wasn't as innocuous as I had thought in my younger years, instead the Great Powers he preached of were the Chaos Gods hidden in plain sight." Lorna Aurellian further spoke to a thoughtful and almost wearisome Morganna
"And you are certain that he is assembling those within your legion to worship them once more?" The Thousand Sons Matriarch queried
"I am certain of it…Kor never did stop his evangelizing of these malevolent powers. Even though, I had brought him with me and had hoped to turn him to the light of the Emperor. It appears as though I have failed, and that things are far more sinister than I had realized." Lorna Aurellian answered back her expression turning much more grim
"How did you know that he never stopped this? I had thought that you convinced him to believe in our fathers' supposed divinity?" Morganna the Red queried in semi-confusion
"One of my most trusted in the Word Bearers, named Argel Tal, informed me of this upon my return. Apparently, he has been bringing not only this Erebus onto his side. But has been going behind my back to spread word of the Great Powers on every planet we have brought to compliance for the Emperor. Something of a hidden covenant he has created for himself in his hidden worship of them." Lorna Aurellian said thankful of Argel Tal's loyalty to notify her of this as soon as possible
"Now it makes sense why things have been slow in my missions for compliance…I had thought it was simply Kor and others of my Legion helping to spread the glory of the Imperium to others. However, it seems as though I have been countered at every turn, and the Dark Gods witin the Warp gaining further and furhter followers by the day…I truly am a fool to not have noticed this quicker." Lorna Aurellian lamented to herself in her failure of having not been aware of this faster
"Lorna, there is no way you could have foreseen this. Between your devotion at the time to the Emperor, in addition to your closeness with him…This is something that could have blindsided anyone." Morganna the Red spoke in counsel to her sister
"Then why is it that I still feel myself a fool? Why do I feel that I am the idiot for not having noticed this betrayal any faster? All I have wanted was to bring people together in unity under the Emperor's light…Now it seems that I have inadvertently brought them closer to the darkness of our otherworldly archenemies." The Urizen questioned as guilt and a sobering self-disgust settled into her heart
"I cannot say for certain on that subject. Yet what I can say with utmost certainty is this, Lorna. That right now, what matters the most is that you rectify this. That you must do what you can to undo any damage that has been done by Kor Phaeon's hands. The Ruinous Powers may have shrouded your foster fathers' misdeeds from you, by virtue of your own zealous ways. However, this does not mean you cannot change what has happened…there is still time to do so." The Crimson Queen answered back knowing that all was not lost
"Will you help me to undo the damage done, Morganna? I know that it is a hefty request to ask of you, but I cannot do this alone." Lorna Aurellian requested of the cyclops beside her
"Of course I will, all you ever have to do is ask. Even if I must call upon the full might of 15th Legion, I will assist you in any way possible." Morganna the Red swore to her sister with an assuring smile
"Thank you, that means more to me than what you could know." Lorna Aurellian thanked her sorcereous sister
"You are quite welcome. Now then, why don't we shift our attentions; to helping you finish this book of yours? I couldn't help but notice you struggling to write it." The one-eyed Psyker spoke having noticed her sisters' difficulties
"Oh…Sorry, it is just that I have been working so hard on the tenets of my Book, that lately I have hit a roadblock of sorts." The Urizen told her fellow Matriarch
"Then allow me to lend my assistance to you. I am sure that together we can overcome what has impeded you thus far." The Thousand Sons Matrirarch spoke as she floated closer to her sister
"That would be wonderful! I could use your help here with these chapters in particular… I don't know why but the intersecting of devotion to the Imperium in relation to the strength of the mind." Lorna Aurellian told her sister
"I believe I know how to rectify this…" Morganna the Red said back as the two began to converse with each other on perfecting the chapters of the Book of Lorna
However, as the two Matriarchs would continue their work in perfecting the Book of Lorna, it would be within the realm of Nurgle that things were changing in a way that unnerved even the Grandfather himself, given that his precious Isha ever since the storms within the Warp almost a year prior; had caused the Aeldari Goddess of life to begin a startling metamorphosis. At first, it started with her becoming increasingly violent, cagey and wrathful, which the Lord of Decay took for her being rattled by the Warp being put into a violent state of flux, and as such had taken his Great Unclean Ones to help calm her down...yet it would be at the end of the year prior that she had begun to undergo further changes.
With her having began to grow in size and strength to the point where he had to call upon Vashtorr's help to help contain her new ferocious might, the Aeldari Goddess also taking on a gradually more draconian appearance, having begun to grow scales of gold, emerald, and platinum, her spawning massive draconic wings from her back, and her breathing astral fire so intense that it would leave permanent scars in his swamps and gardens. However, the changes would continue as she would become more and more vicious as her metamorphosis into a draconic abberration he had to keep caged lest his children become slaughtered wholesale, his gardens incinerated into ashes, and his plagues being burned away before he conjured them forth in his cauldron. The Plaguefather having had to watch as within Isha's new cage was it shaking violently as it began to manifest crystalline flames of gold, emerald, and amethyst, as any Nurgling, Beast of Nurgle, or even the Great Unclean Ones that tried to go near her, would be torn to pus-ridden shreds or be blasted with eldritch flames so intense, that they would be incinerated from existence.
All the while, Nurgle was conversing with Horticulous Slimax on the condition of not only the Gardens of Nurgle, but also how Nurgle's 'grandchildren' and his domain were being ravaged from the strain of trying to further contain the wrathful almost berserk Aeldari Goddess, who with each passing day seemed less like the Goddess of Life, and more like an avatar of pure obliteration. All the while; she would roar and rage within her new confines that began to mutate and distort into an ever-growing cocoon of crystalline flame and amber that served as a staging ground that terraformed the plane around her into what appeared to be her upcoming evolution into something more than her prior station.
"With all due respect, Grandfather, and I say this because I care. Keeping her here is becoming more detrimental than she is worth...you must release her." Horticulous Slimax requested of the Lord of Decay
"No, I will not let my beloved Isha go. She is just sick is all, I do not know what has become of her to force her to act and become like this. All that I do know is that I cannot and will not give up on her." Nurgle staunchly responded in vehement refusal to let go of or give up on the mutating Aeldari goddess
"Yet look at what she is doing to now only your garden...Look at what she is doing to your children...your precious grandchildren no less. She is killing them my lord and many of them are not able to survive her rage. How much longer do you think they can handle being slaughtered by your beloved?" The Great Unclean One spoke gesturing at the large swaths of not only the Plaguefather's realm but the blackened and gnarled scars of ashen detritus from Isha's conflagrations
"We have loved her as much or as much as we can. We cherish her as though she were our own mother, but we cannot continue to do this when so many of us are harmed. Even moreso when every time we even attempt to get lose to her, or speak to her do we find ourselves mauled and beaten by something that feels more like a cruel monster...How many of us must die before she is ast out, grandfather? Do the lives of your family, a family you have raised, loved, and helped to grow strong, mean lesser than something that goes out of its way to harm us, to kill us at the slightest opportunity?" Horticulous questioned in having seen how more and more of the Nurglings, Plaguebearers and even a growing handful of Great Unclean Ones began to fear going so much as 30 feet of the semi-draconic and now wrathful Isha lest they be beaten to an inch of their life or butchered on sight
"No, of course now. I love of all of you, I care for all of you, Horticulous. You are my children, my precious spawn and grandchildren that I love with all of my pox-riddle heart. I would do anything for them." Nurgle immediately answered back
"Then let go of her and do so quickly. Do so for the safety of your grandchildren, my lord. If nothing else do it for those that look to you with nothing but endless love in their being. The newborns should not have to grow in fear; that they may one day be slaughtered and burned to ash, before they can one day spread your gifts to the material world. Neither should they have to look over their shoulder and fear the one they are taught to call their loving mother. No child should have to fear harm from their loved one, especially one they see as their mother and grandmother." The Great Unclean One spoke not out of disrespect or hatred but out of genuine protective love and concern for the lesser Daemons/children that would shake with fear at the sight of Isha's wrathful gaze
"I-I understand, but how can I let go of the woman I love? I know that she is afflicted with madness that drives her to harm them. Yet I cannot bring myself to let her go and let that fiend Slaanesh take her. She does not deserve the fate of being violated by that pervert, no one does, that is a fate I seldom wish on any enemy of mine." Nurgle replied caught between wanting to protect his grandchildren and saving Isha
"I am caught at an unfortunate crossroads. I..I understand that she is changing and the violence she has unleashed upon my children and grandchildren. It is why I have sought out the Arkifane to help construct better and better binds to restrain her. At least this way I can try to keep her and the others safe. Yet I despise that for all my efforts to do so, for all my efforts to return the Isha I know and love back to me. They are for nothing thus far, and I continue to see them and my Garden burn and be rendered to slaughter." Said a pensive and almost sullen Nurgle who saw his own corpulent pox and pus riddle features grow deepening burn scars in reflection of the state of his damaged Garden
"...I cannot force you to make the decision. No one can or would force you to do so, Grandfather. However, I suggest this because I love my brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews...all of them incredibly so. Even if I do not overtly show it, I still love and care for them as any elder would. That said, I also must look out for their safety and wellbeing, and that means making sure that they are defended should harm come to them." Horticulous responded to Nurgle who felt a pang of guilt in his ancient heart at the Greater Daemon's words
"Then what do I do, Horticulous? I wish to protect all of them but by that same token do not wish to harm my beloved. Not while she can still be saved from whatever afflicts her." The Plaguefather questioned
"That is something I cannot answer entirely. At least not without saying what has already been said on my part...All that I can say to you is that you must do what is in the best interest of your family. Otherwise, you may lose more than what you can afford to. Then there may truly be nothing for you to care for nor love one day." Was the grim answer of one Horticulous Slimax who despised the answer given as well yet knew it must be said
"I see...thank you for your counsel. It is always appreciated in these trying times." Nurgle spoke to the Great Unclean One
"Of course, grandfather. I am always at your aid should you need it." Horticulous Slimax replied with a dutiful nod
"If there is anything else that you need of me, I will be in the deeper portions of your garden. They are in need of tending to after lady Isha's latest rampage, this one being the most extensive." The Great Unclean One further spoke before leaving to do just that as the Plaguefather was left to ponder his very precarious situation
'What do I do now? How do I choose between the woman I love or protecting and saving my family from her madness?...Must I reach into the horrors of the Deep Warp itself to seek this answer. Is that what this will come too to save my beloved and protect my children without harming my precious Isha?' Pondered a thoughtful and sullen Nurgle
With the liberation of Zenthon now complete as the Raven Guard with Ben's assistance grants the 19th Legion a dominant victory over their enemies, we see not only Ben preparing to meet with Konstance and Furiosa as they begin to rectify the corruption in Nostramo. We also see Lorna and Morganna train together not only to further the formers' strength as a Psyker, but also to undo and uncover the rot that lies within the Word Bearers. How will everything come together as the Great Crusade continues onwards? Stay tuned and see in the all-new installments of, Ultimate Alien: Primarch Force!
Alright, that'll do it for this one, as I hoped you enjoyed this ending part to Ben kicking it with the Raven Guard, as I won't lie was a decently fun set of chapters to write out. But beyond that, and as always thank you to everyone who has stuck around to support the story thus far, as every favorite, follow, and review on what you have liked thus far thus help out immensely!
Which is why with all that being said, and my appreciation to everyone helping the story continuing to grow. This is Pravus666 signing off until next time, wherein Ben's journey to Nostramo turns into a campaign against the Drukhari, so stay tuned for all of that fun stuff.
Part 1 Theme Song: Black out the Sun by Sevendust
Random End Song: Dance of Damsels by Toothgrinder
Now then onto the reviews from the previous chapter.
Skull Flame: The next I wanna say 'mini-arc' coming up will be involving what happens on Nostromo, which is going to have far-reaching implications for the Night Lords going forward, as well as getting Erebus further into the mix of things. Since what goes on there is something that's gonna shake things up for both the World Eaters and more importantly the Night Lords. Also, the Warboss name for Ben was too good of an idea to not use, and as such I am definitely going to do so over the course of the story.
Kourtney Uzu Yato (Chapters 18-24): Glad to see that you've caught up with the story so far and that you have enjoyed it too...btw my new Bleach story is up and running if you wanna check it out, and I'll give your new A03 stories a whirl when I get a chance. Also, with the World Eaters and Night Lords teaming up under Furiosa and Konstance to handle business on Nostromo; expect for it to change things considerably going forward for both Legions, because...shit got crazy while Konstance was away is all I can say without spoilers. Plus, Furiosa being like this towards the Emperor is something that won't ever change, given that in her eyes he will always be a tyrant wrapped in gold and nothing further. Also, on the scale of bad endings should Ben fall to Chaos in terms of least to worst it goes Nurgle, Tzeentch, Slaanesh, and then Khorne and Vashtorr for a tie. Furthermore, I'm glad you liked Ben killing it at the Blood Games, since I wanted to truly show that while the Custodes are great and all that...Ben is still in a weight class of his own that just makes it unfair to fight him outright, and in regards to the Eldar; that is if they could get ahold of him since I imagine doing so would make him angry enough to use Atomix and see if they really are radiation proof if they tried kidnapping him. Side note for what Ben and Kevin did to get them kicked out of all those places, let's just say that Ben owes Sunny one for having to pitch in and stop a few alien gang/drug wars they may have accidentally started. Also, with Professor Paradox he's popped a few times in the timeline as it isn't just Nurgle who he's encountered either, and as you can see from Ben's conversations with the Emperor we are definitely getting the Deathwatch in the upcoming future. Furthermore, I'm glad you have enjoyed Ben's outting with the Raven Guard so far against the Orks, given that when Ben really wants to lock in; he can definitely show that he's the combination of all those Legions and their tactics and strategies put together, since with Ben being far more experienced...he's THAT much of a problem and that's with him without the Ultimatrix.
Kharabella: I'm glad I can continue to build up on stuff, since I wanted to make sure that the action in Ben's first outting with the Legions kept going, so we didn't lose steam. Also, with Furiosa and her now doing everything she can to correct her mistakes with the 12th Legion, we may also see her nerves over such things grow over time. Given that her worries over messing up may cause her to overcorrect at future points in the story so as not to botch things as bad as she had been. Also, I'm glad you like the small fluff moments with Ben and Konstance, as I love doing it myself and am making sure that that date gets locked in as soon as possible, but other shenanigans at work are gonna happen my guy. Finally, I'm glad you liked Ben's opinon on the Crusade given that with this being a more experienced Ben in his mid 30's, since with him being much more experienced and having gone through it in life that he would have drastically different views on it, than what we'd see from an Omniverse version of himself. Also, on the Tyrranid question I would say yes but it would be difficult due to how terrifyingly expansive and more all-encompasing the Tyrranid hive mind is.
Pyromania: As for going back and fixing all of what you have mentioned that is going to take some time, that I will be doing over New Years to make happen. Given that it is over 20 chapters of stuff that I have to comb back over...So understand that its gonna be a chunky amount of time before it all gets fixed while updating the story. Also, I do have a planned arc for when Furiosa goes to Nuceria to handle business as well, and who knows maybe their might be something left of her gladiator comrades to save, but not in the way she expects.