(Chapter 10: Aliens and Matriarchs vs Daemons: Part 2)
It would be further into the month of July as the battle against the Khornite Daemons continued to considerable success, given that their measured offensive against their opposition while continuing to yield positive results; was also something of a double-edged sword. Given that while they were able to defeat their enemy and stand their ground rather effective, it also was against an enemy that was all too eager to engage in meatgrinder style battles, almost as though they hungered for it with gluttinous glee.
(Karakinos, July 22nd, 950. M30, 3:14 Pm)
It would be 14 after 3 in the afternoon as Perturabo alongside Fulgrim were currently tearing through the opposition before them, with artillery fire of Perturabo's own metallic soldiers as support, as well as Judgment Day being a devastating add-on to her arsenal; the day was made into a rather raucous display of battle against the Khornite Daemons.
"In addition, to being skilled in the art of siegecraft and tinkering. You are also a practitioner of the sword as well…color me impressed that you have so many talents under your belt." Fulgrim spoke whilst almost dancing around and subsequently slicing to ribbons a trio of Bloodletters
"When you are forced to partake in siege after siege, to not familiarize yourself with all manner of weapon is suicide. I refuse to let myself know defeat, because I relied on one single aspect of war when I am made to grind my enemies to dust. That is why I have made myself skilled with a blade, as I would be operating a Melta Cannon, Heavy Bolter, or Thunder Hammer. The strength of versatility is one that is unmatched and understated Fulgrim." Perturabo replied as she cleaved through Flesh Hounds with Judgment Day in a constant advance while firing off shells from her wrist-mounted Bolter
"Clearly I have underestimated how multi-talented you truly are. It seems as though being masterful in many disciplines is an attribute that both you and Ben share. It almost makes one wonder, how many more things you two will share once this engagement is over." Fulgrim said back cheekily whilst masterfully parrying the strike of a daemonic battleaxe and retaliating with a piercing thrust to the skull of her fiery blade
"And what are you intending to insinuate, Fulgrim? The relationship between Tennyson and I is mutual and nothing more. Not everything between those who share mutual interest must devolve into needless romance." Perturabo countered as she continued to hack and cleave anything in sight with bisecting cleaves and sideswipes of her electrified blade
"What's wrong, is the Queen of Iron scared of having a potential lover? Then again, after being stuck tinkering and fiddling with your creations. I doubt you would know what to do if a man tried to so much as court you to begin with." Fulgrim jested once again as a vein of anger began to throb on Perturabo's right temple
"If it wasn't for the Daemons, I would throttle you until your face matched the color of Furiosa's hair...then again you would probably like it wouldn't you?" Perturabo grunted in annoyance as she turned Judgement Day into its minigun mode and began blasting away at her opposition
"How dare, you suggest that I would sink to such degeneracy. I am a lady of the highest esteem; not some baseless whore from the slums of a hive city! The nerve to even suggest such a thing!" Fulgrim retorted appaled by the insinuation with an indignant huff as within a seconds notice nearly 10 Bloodletters were turned to bloody mist and sulphur through the lightning-quick swings of her sword
From thereon Perturabo joined her mechanized shock troops in a ranged assault to eviscerate the Daemons at range, while artillery and aerial bombardments from the aerial drones that looked akin to A-Wings from the Star Wars movies that Perturabo flew overhead; raining down missile and laser fire with frightening speed and accuracy. The Khornite daemons being torn to shreds by the constant bombardments that would fly at supersonic speeds to rip through the otherworldly horde with an efficacy that was of inhuman levels of precision as they splattered the streets below in brass and crimson ichor.
All the while, Fulgrim alongside her mechanized infantry were able to speedily tear through the various Bloodletters and Flesh Hounds in streaks of violet, gold and silver as the Matriarch was able to swiftly pierce, slash, parry, and counter the attacks of the horde against her with a uncanny grace and elegance that could only be matched by master swordsman of the Aeldari. Wherein each of her lightning-quick movements was dance-like in their cadence, wherein it was almost as though watching someone strike with the lethality of a tiger yet with the grace and flamboyant agility of a salsa dancer.
As such it was on both fronts that the Khornite horde was pressed on the defensive, given that with Perturabo leading the charge with Judgement Day either in it's minigun mode to slay them from afar; with the assistance of her heavily armored shock-troops that rained Bolter-fire and Gauss-Cannon barrages at will. So much so that whenever she went into close-quarters with her claymore that was electrified in arcs of brilliant energy; was the pavement slicked in ichor, scrap metal from those of the mechanical soldiers who had fallen, and other such detritus, as her advance was plodding, thunderous and almighty as though she were a living avalanche come to crush all in her wake.
Hence why neither Matriarch was able to be truly stopped, given that the combination of their artillery, aerial support, infantry; in tandem with their own terrifying physicality had served to be more than enough to overcome their opposition and drive them back. But even as the combination of Fulgrim, Perturabo, and their mechanized soldiers were able to relentlessly pressure their otherworldly opposition; that the Iron Warriors Matriarch couldn't help but notice that while they fought with zealous aggression; that there was also something underneath it that caught her attention.
That as they felled each Daemon; that with it came the realization that this wasn't just another victory to be won against their opposition; that while they were more than capable of crushing their warp-born enemy; that Perturabo soon realized that their defeating of these Daemons was not just that. Wherein after they felled the last of the Khornite monstrosities with a flourish of Fulgrim's fiery blade, and Perturabo's studying of the scene before her, in putting together all of what they had witnessed since their battle against their enemy did she make her thoughts known to her fellow Matriarch.
"And you are absolutely certain of this, Perturabo? While it is one thing for these…things to be rather effective as well as organized in combat. I doubt they are that capable." Fulgrim spoke
"I am, Fulgrim. Also, do remember what Ben said to us during the war meetings at our base; these things are and have been adapting to our tactics against them for decades. Which is all the more reason to believe that; while our victories have yielded overwhelming successes against them, that this also comes with one caveat that we have failed to take into account. One that infuriates me, that we go unnoticed, due to our thinking these are still mindless predators of the Warp; instead of enemies that can think and adapt as well as any soldier." Perturabo replied their face calculative and stone-faced
"Every victory we have fought in opposition of these abominations, has only served to allow them better methods of studying us. Each loss suffered is one where they were able to educate themselves, better on how to destroy us more efficiently. From our tactics, weaponry and the soldiers we employ to battle against these foul wretches; all of it has been a ploy to learn our strengths, and mobilize to strike out a lethal blow in imminent retaliation." Perturabo further spoke
"If that is the case, then why allow themselves to suffer so many losses at our hands? Surely it would be more in their favor to fight with the tactical prowess they no doubt have…As much as these things seem to enjoy battle and being thrown into the slaughter, even these abominations would know that what they are doing is at a deficit to their overall army." Fulgrim replied
"That is because they have the numbers to afford a deficit of this degree. Why else would they be so wiliing to throw battalions worth of their soldiers at us; without rhyme or reason. Unless they could both afford to do so and use it to further adapt to our fighting methods, and prepare means of counterattack so vicious that we are left at their mercy." Perturabo said back
"If this holds any level of truth, then we must plan an offensive of our own. One that will leave them crippled to where they cannot even think to plan of such things. It is already horrible enough that our time and energy is wasted slaughtering these things. I will not have it be further be done, in being humiliated by these things learning how I fight…These bloodthirsty mongrels will not have me to suffer the indignity of my hair being made a ruined mess or my looks going to rot." Fulgrim suggested albeit with an eye-roll from her fellow Matriarch
"While I do not care for your looks, as long as the defeat of our enemies is made certain. What does hold merit is the fact that you are right about our needing to retaliate in full against these abominations. The swifter the better." Perturabo spoke
"Come, let us regroup to the base and report back to Sekhmet. I have no doubt; that either she, Ben, or the Lion are planning our next move as we speak." Perturabo further spoke as they headed back to their base of operations
"Speaking of Ben, I wonder how he is fairing in all of this mayhem?" Fulgrim wondered
(1 hour later, Karakinos, 4:28 Pm)
Meanwhile, on the otherside of the cityscape; Ben alongside Furiosa were continuing to take it to the daemons of Khorne in devastating fashion, as the Matriarch and Ultimatrix wielder were able to display an uncanny level of combat synchronicity as they took on 3 company's worth of Daemons.
"Come on Furiosa, I told you these guys were going to be light-work." Were the words of a cocksure Ultimate Swampfire as he immolated the opposition with waves of sapphire-colored flame
"Between my martial might and strength, and the power of this Ultimate form of yours. These abominations never stood a chance." Furiosa replied as she used the massive roots and vines that the hyper-evolved plant alien created as platforms to fight the more mobile Daemons
"At this point, I figured I may as well go for overkill and kill these things faster than they can come back! Besides, its been awhile since I've broken out one of the classics to go Ultimate with!" Ultimate Swampfire yelled back as he caused the ground to erupt into a field of thorny brambles that whipped about to strangle and shred the daemons to a bloody pulp
"Plus this isn't even close to any of what I can do with him! Check this out…Scatter Bulbs away!" Ultimate Swampfire called back as he fired off what looked to be a swarm of explosive bulbs that erupted with the force several times that of a Concussion Missile
'Just when I think I have seen what he is capable of, he continues to surprise and impress me.' Were Furiosa's thoughts as she continued to eviscerate Khornite Daemon one after the other
From thereon, the duo would continue to take their assault to the Daemons that had ambushed wherein Furiosa was in her element as a near-unstoppable juggernaut of martial might; where the World Eaters Matriarch was able to find herself in an almost zen-like state where she was able to unleash the full brutality of her ire against the Daemons before her. Where every cleave, overhand, bisecting swipe, and disemboweling counter-strike was done as though on pure instinct and technical skill ingrained into her very muscles, yet instead of anger as she bounded and rushed through her enemies as a freight train of carnage; there was instead complete focus and resolve on her features.
A sight that was made all the more monstrous amidst the roaring infernos of bright azure flames caused from the immolating waves of fire or the explosions that rocked the area from Ultimate Swampfire's Scatter Bulbs that devastated the enemy to incredible effect; whilst she beheaded, dismembered and disemeboweled the enemy like a mobile wood-chipper. Something that combined with the hyper-evolved Methanosian's incendiary powers making him a one-man squadron of Salamanders with their favored flamers, and his plant-manipulation allows him to summon giant roots, vines, thorny brambles and even semi-truck sized Venus Flytraps to devour the enemy whole.
That the dynamic duo's acting in tandem as Furiosa ever quick to crush and brutalize Daemons under the grinding teeth and blade of Gorefather and Gorechild, leaping and bounding about the fiery hellscape that was the kill-box that Ultimate Swampfire had created by walling it off in a massive barrier of dense foliage and thorny roots. All of which were linded with carnivorous plants he had manifested to further spread forth and not only trap any wayward Daemon, but to also devour them with an almost gluttinous fervor; sending gore and almost sludge-like ichor splattering across the pavement.
With neither Daemon that came their way being able to best the other, given that when a group of Khornite Daemons would try to surround Furiosa, and swarm her into a bloody mess; would be either down them with a hail of Scatter Bulbs, or telepathically command the thorny brambles and carnivorous plants to impale/devour them respectively. By contrast would any of them attempt to reach the massively powerful plant-like Xenos, would Furiosa with impossibly quick strides intercept them and bisect them down the middle, or in displays of nearly mind-numbing speed shred them to so many pieces that they were rendered naught but bloody chunks of Warp-flesh.
And as such, within the span of nearly 10 minutes did the combination of Furiosa's titanic might, brutal technique with her twin chainaxes, and mental clarity; allowing her to dole out vicious attacks one after the other as a golden-armored juggernaut. All of which was done in conjunction with Ultimate Swampfire's powerful pyrokinetic abilities, Scatter-Bulbs, and planet-manipulation that had left the area into a nightmarish jungle; illuminated in brilliant blue flames had utterly obliterated the Daemons that had been ambushed and subsequently dealt by the duo.
And so after making sure that neither Daemon remained from their ambush of incendiary carnage, did Ultimate Swampfire decide to have a 'jusst fuck it' moment and create a giant gnarled, spiraling Seqouia tree for them to sit upon; that soared hundreds of feet into the air as a massive wooden skyscraper. Wherein the World Eaters Matriarch had to brace herself at the sudden appearance of the tree, as after a few swift moments of its rapid growth did the two towering figures sit upon one of the branches to overlook the cityscape below.
"That takes care of that…man we are on fire today! I can't believe we're making light work out of these daemons." Ultimate Swampfire spoke amidst the brilliant flames that roared below as the alien transformed back to normal in twin flashes of emerald
"Both figuratively and literally…Never in my wildest dreams, would I have imagined fighting alongside someone who could turn into a flame-spewing tree monster. Yet here I sit, with someone who wields powers beyond what any Librarian, Astartes, or even the Emperor's golden guards could wield. I doubt that even Malchador himself has even half the insanity that you are capable of in his arsenal." Furiosa replied still finding it unreal as to all of what Ben was capable of
"To be fair, I have had over 20 years to get good with my aliens….that's not even counting my Ultimates. So at some point, it's either get good or get fucked, and I chose the latter." Ben said back getting a gruff-sounding chuckle from the Matriarch
"You are an interesting sort, Ben Tennyson. How can you wield such power, create war-machines, and yet remain true to your roots as a hero, but also not desire conquest from what you have told me. If anyone in the Imperium were able to have the power of that gauntlet you possess, then there is no doubt that entire swaths of the galaxy at large would be under their domain. A power such as yours is breeding grounds for both heroes and tyrants to be made." Furiosa spoke wondering how Ben was able to keep to being a hero
"To be honest, I was blessed to have a really great support system. If it wasn't for my parents, Grandpa Max, Gwen, Kevin and so many other people that have come into my life. Then I probably would have turned into a massive glory-hog, a dictator who thinks he can rule anything because he thinks its funny, or some 3rd horrible thing." Ben replied knowing that he owed a lot to his character to those around him
"You continue to mention your grandfather and cousin when it comes to your choices to become a hero…Were these two truly this important in the shaping of your life?" Furiosa questioned
"Yeah, yeah they were. While Grandpa Max was my idol growing up and helped me to keep my head on straight…Gwen, Gwen was practically my other half when we were growing up, and honestly I don't think I can imagine any of what I've done without her." Ben answered back
"She was there when I first got the Omnitrix and turned into my first alien…the look on her face when I nearly started a forest fire was priceless. Then there was all the adventures we'd go on from the time we were kids on summer vacation, to us stopping invasions on our home planet, joining the Plumbers, and fighting in galactic wars, and doing time travel together. She was the sister I never had, the Superman to my Batman, the peanut butter to my jelly and a lot of other stuff; that above all was one of the greatest people I am happy to have had in my life…My cousin was a one of a kind, who despite being 30,000 years apart I can feel is still with me." Ben further spoke in regards to his sorceress of a cousin
"Do you still miss her?" Was the Matriarchs sole question regarding his feelings for his cousin a timeline and dimension away
"Yeah, I do since I crashed here and I haven't stopped since. Its kind of hard to do that, when you have spent over 20 years with someone that isn't just your family. But with someone who is one of your best friends; who make you feel like you could take on the whole universe with…As corny as this sounds, as long as Gwen was there with me; I didn't have to fear for anything; because I knew she'd be right there to watch my six." Ben answered back
"That is a rather powerful bond that you two seemed to share. For what it is worth, you have my condolences that you are so far from your loved ones." Furiosa spoke as she put a large hand of comfort on Ben's shoulder
"Thanks…Did you ever have a Grandpa Max or Gwen of your own, Furiosa?" Ben asked back as the golden eyes of the Matriarch were in somber recollection
"Yes, Yes I did once upon a time. However, I do not have the luxury of them being with me any longer. The ones that I called family, though not by blood have all long since died, torn from me by the Emperor when I launched a rebellion against my former masters…The fact that even as we were forced to fight for our lives in the pits of Nuceria, that it never once detracted from the bonds we grew together as battle-brothers and battle-sisters in arms. That even when I was forced to wear the Butchers' Nails, did the love I had for each of one them never cease." Furiosa replied as a melancholic smile came across her face
"And yet even as the Emperor ripped me away from them, for his schemes of unification across the Universe. Forcing me to live with the knowledge of knowing that the 'family' I once had was butchered, because he could not be bothered to spare even one of his golden cretins, or even take one putrid moment out of his time to help them, and ensure I could have at least…something of my loved ones with me. That it will never take away from the memories we shared as kinsmen and warriors in arms. That no matter how many worlds conquered or battles waged, that it will never sunder the memory of what was of my loved ones in those carnage-pits." Furiosa added her voice a mix of regret, anger, somberness, and grief
"I-I am sorry that they went out like that, Furiosa. Sounds like you got a really raw deal coming up till now." Ben said feeling nothing but sadness and sympathy for the armored woman
"It is fine, as even still while I cannot have them with me in flesh to fight alongside me, and my legion. I know that in spirit they are there with me, offering their counsel, and fighting with me in the echoes of what once was and what will be. For that their memory lives on me, just as the memory of those you care and fought alongside live on in you." Furiosa responded as Ben smiled at that notion giving a light tap to his chest, namely his beating heart
"Yeah, I guess they do live on in here don't they?" Ben spoke as the two looked on at the midday-turning evening sun
'Gwen, I'm sorry that I'm not there to help make sure things are ok; after what happened. But at least I know that even in some weird alternate future, you and everyone else are right here along with me.' Were Ben's thoughts as he and Furiosa continued to enjoy a moments respite
(The following Day later, 950. M30, 2:10 Pm, July 23rd, Imperium Space, Scion of Argo)
Meanwhile, across Imperial space aboard one of the Custodes fleet-ships was Constantine Valdor who had been headed by the Emperor himself; who was in holocalls with the 2nd in commands of the Dark Angels, Luther, the 2nd in command of the Thousand Sons, Ahriman if they too have made any headway in their search.
"Unfortunately, Sir Valdor, we have been unable to locate any of the Matriarchs since their disappearance. We have dispatched our best scouts across the Imperium to locate them but to no avail."Luther informed the mightiest of the Custodes
"We as well share the shame sentiment it seems. Even with the aid of our best Psykers, we are unable to locate Morganna or the others…Which is puzzling, given that someone as powerful as ours in psychic strength would cast some form of a signal through the Warp to guide us. However, we have had no success." Ahriman spoke as well
"I sense that there is more to be said in this regard, Ahriman?" Constantine Valdor questioned
"Yes, there is in fact. Each time we have tried to do so, the continuous warp Storms as of late seem to interfere. So much so that it has caused some of our own Librarians to overload as it were." Ahriman answered back causing a questioning look to go through Luther's visage as well
"Overload how exactly?" The Custodes in question asked
"Overload in the sense that the further we tried to locate any of them through the Warp; in order to gain a glimmer of an idea to their general vicinity. That they were overwhelmed by the strength of the psychic feedback from doing so…We have been forced to cease our efforts in doing so for now, given that at best they are put unconscious for a few days if not weeks at a time." Ahriman told the Custodes regarding his brethren in the best case scenario
"What has been the worst-case scenario? I know that our own Librarians have hit dead-ends as well, in this venture. However, given the nature of your Legions' focus in the arcane and esoteric. I am curious to know what has happened, and if aid should be sent to help mitigate the damages." Luther questioned out of an almost morbid curiosity
"At worst, we have had to quarantine them due to their powers temporarily going into flux. So much so that entire swaths of land are left desolate due to their powers lashing out at anything in sight. It is enough to where we have nearly lost a few of our armories, due to not having caught this in time to mitigate…Luckily we have kept casualties of the most severe cases to a minimum, but the danger is still notable nonetheless." Ahriman informed both Luther and Constantine with a disparaging look in his eyes
"You have my condolences for your losses. I did not know that things had become so dire in your search." Luther spoke as the projection of the powerful Pysker waved a hand
"It is fine, Luther. These are risks that have come with the search for not only Lady Morganna, but the rest of her sisters as well…Despite our losses, we will continue to press forward in our efforts." Ahriman replied knowing that his duties were to be carried out regardless of whatever may come
"You have mine as well. In due time, I am sure that we will find them and make sense of what has happened. If only at the very least to return all Legions to their full strength…The Great Crusade must continue as planned for the good of the Imperium." Constantine Valdor spoke with all the authority befitting of his station
"Of course, but we must also ask if you or the Custodes have made any progress in your venture? I would hope that the Emperor's best soldiers would have some success on the task at hand." Luther questioned
"Unfortunately, there has been little if any headway on our end. It is troublesome to know that despite our position as the greatest of the Emperor's soldiers, that we are unable to track down his daughters and most valued assets." Constantine Valdor answered back with slight frustration
"That is concerning to hear. Then again, 3 months of searching with no leads would make anything troublesome…I am almost beginning to think that this is an omen all on its own; that hope may be lost." Luther spoke despising the fact that so many months have passed with nothing to show for it
"If I may continue to speak freely, I feel that despite these months without headway, that we must still hold out hope that they can…no will be found. We are the Emperor's soldiers and as such, to despair or grow frustrated in the face of adversity. Would be to do a great disservice to both him and our Matriarchs, therefore we must redouble our efforts on all fronts to find our Matriarchs. We owe that much to them to continue until we have exhausted all possibilities!" Ahriman spoke with a conviction that surprised the de-facto leader of the Dark Angels
"In all my years, I never would have imagined Ahzek Ahriman to give speeches of encouragement and vigor to others. The legionaries of the Thousand Sons are not normally known for their charisma, or oratory performances." Luther said in having to admire the 1st Captain's optimism in the face of uncertainty
"As one of Lady Morganna's trusted aides, and right hand in her endeavors. It often falls to me, to help rally those within 15th Legion to arms when she is involved either in her studies, or her attention is needed elsewhere. After all, it would be a great disservice to not assist wherever I am needed as her right hand." Ahriman replied with a proud smile
"Ahriman is right. We cannot falter in our search by even the slightest degree, even if it takes 5 more months, years, or decades, or even centuries to find them. We will continue to do so without question…To give up in any capacity is to fail the Emperor, and I nor any Custodes have failed him yet. Netiher have any of your Legions when called upon to do his works in the Imperium and beyond. As such as Ahriman has spoken, all those that are not involved in the Great Crusade are to further aide in the search at large." Constantine Valdor said back in agreement with the Thousand Sons Legionnaire
For it was on the pride of the Custodes as the most trusted soldiers of the Master of Mankind, and their duty above all to not only win any battles that they were entrusted to win on behalf of their leader, but to complete any and all tasks to their utmost for him. As such, to fail or give up in the slightest for the search for the missing daughters of the Emperor; would be to spit in the face of their lord and bring ruinous halt to the Great Crusade, and that was something that Constantine would NEVER allow in any capacity, so long as he would live.
"Understood, Sir Constantine. I will continue to dedicate as many of my men to the search as possible. However, I cannot do so to the expense of the Crusade as a whole…Leona would never forgive me, if I compromised the Legion whatsoever; even in her absence." Luther spoke
"I will continue as well to search for the Matriarchs. While we cannot commit our Librarians to do so any further, we will nonetheless search for any alternatives that may prove useful. Time and hope are still on our side, and we shall prevail." Ahriman said with an unyielding hope that was as strong as his strength as a incredibly powerful Psyker
"See to it that you two do so. There is much at stake here, and our enemies will eventually find out of our weakness in time…The longer they remain missing, is the greater the odds of that our foes will soon take notice and intercept once they realize this. Therefore, I would advise both you and those in the other Legions that can spare their manpower; to aid in this endeavor as well." Constantine Valdor ordered
"For the Emperor, we shall not fail, and for the Imperium will the Great Crusade continue as planned." Constantine Valdor spoke
"For the Emperor." Were the replies of Ahriman and Luther before they were soon dismissed
'Now then, where in the name of our Emperor could 12 Matriarchs have disappeared too? One would think that it would be easier than this to find a dozen nearly 10 foot tall demigods, and yet they remain hidden from us still.' Constantine Valdor pondered as to where a dozen virtual demigods could've vanished too
(3 days later, July 26th, 950. M30, Karakinos, 1:15 Pm)
Meanwhile, on Karakinos in the days to come; had Ben finally finished prepping the explosives needed to cripple the Khornite Hordes' encampment in full for the operation to come.
"And you are sure these explosives of yours will do the job?" Sekhmet questioned
"I am positive of it, I had Perturabo and Konstance both test them out, and both firsthand told me that they'll get it done." Ben informed the Luna Wolves Matriarch
"Besides, I made sure these will do what they need to. If these can't take out a city block in one go, then what good are they for…If we're gonna do a demolition job, then we have to do it properly." Ben further spoke with a shrug of his shoudlers
"How you can create bombs this powerful on so few hours of sleep. Is both terrifying and impressive…are you sure you are completely human?" Sekhmet asked the Ultimatrix wielder
"Pretty much. I may not be fundamentally built different like you, Furiosa, Konstance, or Perturabo. But with how much I've had to go through before I got sent here, this is nothing to me…Me and pulling all-nighters are best friends at this point. Once you've been with them long enough, its basically something you come to love, or something like that." Ben answered back being used to running on so little sleep
"That being the case, I will commend you for your almost unreal work ethic. Then again, I can assume that it comes with the territory of fighting many of the threats you have faced in your time." Sekhmet spoke as Ben cracked his neck to get rid of the stiffness that came from the days of nearly nonstop combat
"Pretty much, as doing this is something that I had to keep too when I started fighting aliens for real. When things got real with Malware when he gave me my first reality check when I was 12…that's when I had to realize that I had to both work harder and smarter; to never be caught lacking again. Fighting what can only be described as a tech-demon from your nightmares will do that to you." Ben said in vivid remembering of the rogue Galvanic Mechamorph and the menace they had been to him
"Just how deadly was this Malware as an enemy?" Sekhmet queried
"Deadly enough to where it took myself, my cousin and her boyfriend at the time, 2 battalions worth of Plumbers and a lot of others to take him down. Given that he didn't just merge with technology, so much as he devoured any and every piece of technology he could get his hands on…The fact that he devoured and absorbed a starship to turn himself into a 420 foot tall giant monster, still is nightmare fuel by the fact that he did just to prove he could; after we blasted him with enough gunfire to glass a large city." Ben told Sekhmet as to the threat level of
"Luckily, I was able to regain the use of one of my favorite transformations to finally kill him…But he was still incredibly tough to beat." Ben further spoke
"I am glad that this thing is not here. That monster would have been a nightmare to battle against, should he have made contact with a Terminator's armor, or Emperor forbid a Titan regardless of their class." Sekhmet replied as she could only picture what kind of nightmare Malware would be to battle against
"Things may not be as crazy with your crusades and everything going on with your Legions. But the things I've had to fight against, are still something else. Honestly, I'm pretty sure some of you guys would have a field day with some of my enemies, for fucks sake Z'Skayr would be a nightmare all on his own." Ben said back knowing that the Ecto-Lord would be an imposing threat regardless of the universe
"Should I want to know of the scale that this Z'Skayr of yours poses?" Sekhmet asked almost wanting to know out of morbid curiosity
"I'll tell you and some of the others at another time. But to put it simply, out of all my villains that I have had to fight against over the years. He is one of the rare ones that consistently gives me nightmares when I go to sleep…I can still hear him cackling like mad when I go to sleep." Ben answered back in both fear and utter loathing of the being that once inhabited his transformations
"I will take account of that during our future talks…But nonetheless, once we have crippled the Daemons and prepare for our next and hopefully final assaults against them. I do have to ask you something, regarding when you will be able to help us and our Legions during the Crusades." Sekhmet spoke
"Hey, go ahead and shoot. I don't really have anything to hide…I have been completely transparent to you guys all the way through." Ben replied
"Something that I appreciate, knowing that our ally and comrade is willing to lay everything bare. Yet, even when we are to return to Terra, and you begin working alongside us. There is the matter of, as you have been informed at this point regarding the Imperium's feelings toward Xenos and your transformations…You do know that your use of them; while not causing many problems within our own Legions, will cause you friction and trouble against those outside of them such as the Inquistion, the Nobles of Terra, and so forth. Therefore, it would be horrible of me as an ally to not inform you that you will face hardships in regards to them; given that I doubt you will cease the use of your transformations…You do not seem the type to change for the sake of others in high places or of authority." Sekhmet told Ben who remained indifferent to the information
"To be honest with you, I don't really care, Honestly, if anything if it can be helped. I would prefer to remain out of the spotlight as much as I can, or at least have as ig of a break from the spotlight as possible." Ben told the towering form of Sekhmet
"Really? I had thought that with your former reputation as an intergalactic hero during your time. That you would be almost galloping in full to be regarded as such once again…Why avoid it, if you do not mind my inquiry?" Sekhmet asked curious as to why he would do so despite his talks and regalings of when he was once a superhero
"Honestly, as much as I loved being a superhero, and a war hero many times over. That stuff also came with a lot to drag down the fun of it too. It made my personal life a nightmare to navigate through, any chance at romance you can forget it, and now my enemies know who I am, and because of that started gunning for my loved ones that much harder to get to me…On top of so much other crap, that half the time it drove me crazy trying to figure out how I'm gonna get through a day without being pestered by someone." Ben answered back
"So as much as I liked being a superhero, and all the fame and glamour that came with it. Since it let me have a platform to help others, and use it to do good across the board for everyone. That I honestly would prefer to not be in the spotlight for a change…I just want to do things how I used to; just being a hero because it was the right thing to do, and that was all the reason I needed. Besides, being a hero isn't about the glory, the applause or the rewards, it is about helping people, protecting lives and fighting the good fight against villains and evil in general. So if working alonside you guys, can help do that and make sure I'm not caught up in political nonsense; then that would be fantastic." Ben further told Sekhmet on how he felt overall
With the 30-something Ultimatrix wielder and intergalactic war hero, honestly just hoping that in helping the legions of the Matriarch in any way needed; be it through the use of his weapons, armaments and gear; to the power of his transformations, that he wanted to remain without the glamour and fireworks that came with being a hero. Since even though there was a part of him that would miss the glory that would come with it, there was also a larger part that had to admit that doing good without the interference of such things, and all of the shecainery that came with it; would be far greater in its appeal, especially with how vastly different things seemed to be.
"That would actually work out well, all things considered. As much as I care for the Imperirum, my sisters and I could do without having someone from the Inquistion hounding us at every footstep. Not to mention Malchador for as good a man as he is, is far too shifty to not have his hands in anything. So having you be far away from the limelight of those things, works out in yours and our favor immensely." Sekhmet spoke seeing Ben's want to do good anonymously through the Legions as beneficial overall
"As long as I can have somewhere to set up shop, where I can help where I'm needed, have a place over my head, can use my gear and aliens to help out when its needed. Then I'm just peachy, staying out of the limelight for a change." Ben replied
"My sisters and I can no doubt come together to pull something off to that effect. Between your help, and the major asset you have presented yourself to be; once we return to Terra. I have no doubt that we can meet your needs, as requested." Sekhmet said back in full confidence of being able to do so
"Awesome, awesome…But shifting gears to current matters; now that the explosives are up and ready to go. When do you want, Brawnwen, Konstance, and I; to head out and get started on making the Daemons hide-out go boom?!" Ben questioned the blonde giant of a woman
"Do so at your earliest convenience. This must be done, and done without even the slightest margin for error, if we are to weaken our enemy as planned, and buy time for Morganna and Lorna's banishment to be fully effective. Therefore, any further preparations that are needed; then do so with as much time as needed to make your plans to infiltrate the area that much more effective. I will do everything possible to hold our position as needed, so that you're mission may go off without interference." Sekhmet answered back in regards to the soon-to-be infiltration mission
"Heard you loud and clear, boss!...Don't worry, we'll have this done soon enough. Then once this Daemon stuff is done and over with, we can get back to getting everyone off this planet, and you guys back home with your Legions. That much you have my word on!" Ben promised the Matriarch who smiled at the proclamation
"I will hold you to that, Tennyson. In the meantime, get some rest and make any preparations you need to with Branwen and Konstance. After that, you are free to depart whenever you are ready…Perturabo will keep me posted of your progress in the interim once it begins." Sekhmet told the Ultimatrix wielder
"Understood…Radio me or Bahamut, if anything goes south while I'm taking some shut-eye." Ben said as he took out his hoverboard
"Well do, Tennyson. In the meantime, go and rest, we need everyone at full strength for what is to come. That includes you most of all, given how pivotal you have been thus far." Sekhmet replied as Ben simply gave the thumbs up before flying off on his hoverboard
'As far as humans go, you are certainly a peculiar one Ben Tennyson. I truly do wonder how far you will go, once you see what the Imperium is truly like.' Sekhmet pondered to herself regarding Ben's future within both the 18 Legions and the Imperium of Man
And so with the battle against the Khornite Horde continuing to rage on, as Perturabo begins to potentially realize why so many of their victories are so overwhelming in their scope, Ben preparing to soon make his infiltration of their encampment with Branwen and Konstance, as well as having a heart-to-heart with Furiosa. That the search for the Matriarchs further continues with Constantine Valdor on the scene, ready to see the search through to it's conclusion. But how shall things go for Ben and the Matriarchs, as they prepare to fully weaken their opposition?...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 that everyone enjoys Part 2 to what is going in the battle against the Khornite Horde; since this has been pretty fun to write out thus far. Furthermore, we have no gotten to 10 chapters so far in the story and as such, I am excited to have made it this far thanks to all the support shown too it, and as such with every favorite, follow, and review given thus far. I wish to say my thanks to everyone and hope that you will continue to show your support for what is to come in the future.
So without much to say, this is Pravus666 signing off until the next one. Wherein our next chapter is Part 3 to the battle against the Khornite Daemons, so stay tuned for all of that!
Part 1 Theme Song: Black out the Sun by Sevendust
Random End Song: Wait and Bleed by Slipknot
Now then let's get to some of the reviews from the previous chapter.
Kourtney Uzu Yato: Glad you liked the birthmas update, Kourtney, and happy birthmas all the same. Also, I really wanted to sell it that Ben and the Matriarchs are on top of it when it comes to taking down the threat of the Khornite Daemons, which with what I have planned for next chapter should be really, REALLY fun to touch base on with how they go from here. Since its now that Furiosa no longer has the Butcher's Nails in her that her full potential as a Matriarch can actually start growing in the way that it was meant too, so its going to be fun given that this also means her potential as a Psyker can also start growing as well on top of her being able to really put her everything into fighting. Not to mention, that with Ben shining a light on their enemies in Chaos they can actually prepare to handle the forces of the Ruinous Powers this time around, instead of getting sucker punched by it like they did in the Heresy proper. Also, I love writing Ben and Konstance's interactions since it is just too much fun to have them be up-front about where they want things to go from there, especially since all it takes is one time for them to have privacy together and great times happen from there, as to put it simply Ben now has a murder golden-retriever goth gf with Konstance.
Skull Flame: Ok now I almost want to make a playlist of songs that the Imperial Guard could use as Hyms, as you cannot tell me they wouldn't play 10,000 Fists or Indestructable by Disturbed and somehow make it work as a battle hymn. Yeah, Lorna is gonna eventually come into the role of being the Cleric that shouts Doomslayer style of sermons to not just her Legions but anyone else that chooses to fight for and with her, since Ben's getting her to create heroes for the Imperium is actually getting her to take doing what she does as a Matriarch a lot more seriously in what it means to others out there. Also, I really like the idea of a Devastator Squad hauling a BFG 9000 around as artillery that sounds awesome! Furthermore, it isn't Sanguinius getting corrupted so much as her full potential coming out and with it her having to confront a lot of stuff going on in her, one of those being that rage she keeps locked behind closed doors, you know the kind that had her Legion known as the Revenant Legion and what could cause things like the Red Thirst and Black Rage...yeah Sangy is gonna have confront those things in herself otherwise she may go from The Great Angel to a literal Blood Angel. Lastly, I'm glad you like what I came up with for Perturabo's Power Weapon as I thought it would be nice to do given that it works for her being multi-puposed and it just seemed to work for her all things considered, not to mention that as you say it I can totally see Ben's version of the Plumbers functioning like a proto-Deathwatch. (Also, Goth Gf Konstance for life!)
Anonymous: Glad to see you like how Ben's bonds with the Matriarchs are forming, as granted not everyone is gonna be on-board with what he's all about, or not immediately since he what he is; even if that's an unhinged jackass at times. Since by that same token, Ben getting to see that what the Imperium of 30K is like one piece at a time is so fun, because while he's still committed to helping everyone its also in knowing that soon enough he'll be a part of something that is just a level of fucked on all on its own but a neccessary one to say the least. Also, for the Mechanicum its gonna be funny when Ben shows them that they can make their own Upgrade's if they really tried, and tells them what nanotech is...now THAT will be funny.
ex555 (Chapter 6-9): I love the idea for the Dreadnoughts, since it would be a great way to make them less metal battle-coffins and one that can help give a real 2nd chance to the people that get inturred in there...now I need to start drafting up further ways Ben will try to improve upon it as a concept. Also, when Ben turns into an Aeldari, its gonna be hilarious to see him have to beat off Drukhari and Aeldari women alike that'll try to get a piece of him in that transformation.