(Chapter 18: Holy Terra, Here we Come!)
It would be a solid week later before they would reach the Sol System and soon land on Terra, and as such meet with the Emperor of Mankind himself and begin their reunion with their Legions. Which was something of a mixed bag of emotions all around given that with the knowledge of Chaos running through their minds, and Ben having to see what has become of his home planet some 30,000 years into the future was a trip for everyone as they began to make landfall on the cradle of humanity.
(October 15th, 950. M30, 7:26 Am, Sol System, Terra)
It would be nearly half past 7 in the morning as the Wage of Sin began to make its way towards Terra having just gotten past Jupiter, wherein Malcador and the Emperor of Mankind were awaiting to see the return of the latter's daughters and the arrival of their newest companion.
"So, how do you think things will go with this Tennyson fellow? You have been surprisingly quiet; after the reports of his exploits have reached Terra." Malcador asked the golden ruler of humanity with a curious expression
"All that matters is that he contributes to the Great Crusade at large…What matters is the benefits of what he can bring towards enforcing and bringing order to the Imperium. Not to mention, having someone that can bring that level of lost technology to the Astartes as well as our armies overall. That by far and wide is an asset that would be foolish not to covet." The Emperor of Mankind replied in already seeing this Ben Tennyson as a useful piece to truly make the Great Crusade an overwhelming success
"And what will you do about his ability to turn into Xenos? That is something that cannot be overlooked or ignored." Malcador asked
"It matters not to me if he is able to do so, Malcador. His usefulness far outweighs any scruples to be had over his ability to turn into those abominations. Especially, given that he can aid in bringing worlds to compliance that much swifter in doing so." The Emperor of Mankind answered in being more than fine to overlook this ability when it meant an increased compliance rate
"Furthermore, when those from Sekhmet to Fulgrim, to Mortarion and Mortarion themselves do not care, and in fact the likes of Jaghatai, Rogal, and Furiosa intend to use his Xenos forms to train their Legions. Then I will not mind it being used to increase the strength of the Astartes, not when the Necrons are awakening more and more by the day, and now the Ruinous Powers have become more active as of late…Something you have felt as well, my friend." The Emperor of Mankind added
"I have, and the news that one of them outright sought out your daughters does not bode well. In fact, I feel as though the time has come to inform them of Chaos wholesale. From what Sanguinius has informed us, they now know at base about the 4 Gods…We might as well inform them of everything, even with your reservations." Malcador told the golden giant of a man
"You know how much I both despise and dread this, Malcador. I still held out belief that we could starve those abominable wretches through secrecy and the denial of their existence." The Emperor of Mankind spoke having cursed this day
"And yet this day would have come whether you liked it or not. With the state of things as they are and how they will continue to change. The conversation of the Ruinous Power must be had, and as of now we cannot evade it any longer. The time for the truth to be had…how they will handle this information is to be decided." Malcador replied knowing that this was inevitable whether his golden companion liked it or not
The Siglite knew that sooner or later that the discussion on the nature of the Ruinous Powers was going to be made at some point, if only to give the Matriarchs a fighting chance against the Chaos Gods and their corrosive influence. Something that the Sigilite knew could come at any given moment, given the various natures of the Legions and their mothers; that all it would take is one crack in the armor, and before anyone knew it a traitor Legion affiliated with Chaos could be born, and running amok in the Imperium at large.
"But the question remains of how far do we inform them of the Ruinous Powers?...We cannot simply let this information be made freely availible to the common people." The Emperor of Mankind questioned
"For now we will have this information be kept to your daughters, their Chapter Masters, and their first companies for now. This way we can make sure that the information is kept to their closest and most elite within their Legions, from there we can spread out to who and who cannot be trusted with this information." Malcador suggested
"Very well, now I have to figure out how we are going to work with someone from 30,000 years prior. Especially, when they do not know of the Imperium and what our cause brings. Moreso from what time period in that time frame they hail from could bring some of the worst elements of the 2nd millennium to the Imperium." The Emperor of Mankind spoke knowing that the 2nd millennium wasn't the most peaceful or orderly of them all
"I am sure that whatever era they hail from, that they will be more than reasonable to work with. They have managed to pacify Furiosa's wrath and gain favor with Konstance. Feats that were thought borderline impossible, until now. So it is more than safe to say that we will at least be working with someone who is more than capable to handle the more destructive of your daughters." Malcador replied
"Let us hope so, Malcador. Otherwise, things will become vastly more complicated." The Emperor of Mankind said back as they awaited the Wage of Sin to soon touch down on Terra
(3 and a half hours, 11:01 Am, Terra, Sol System)
Meanwhile, the Wage of Sin would soon touch down on one of the landing ports within the Imperial Capital, wherein the Matriarchs and Ben would be escorted by an honor guard of Emperor's Children to the Imperial palace; wherein Ben was actually quite impressed by the colossal hive city that served as the crown jewel of Holy Terra.
'So this is what things look like on Earth now?...This is a lot more massive than anything we have back home.' Ben remarked to himself over the sheer expanse of what the Imperial Capital was
"What do you think of the Imperial Capital of Terra, Ben? Isn't it simply incredible?" Fulgrim asked the Ultimatrix wielder who couldn't help but be nearly lost at the sheer breadth and majesty of it all
"Honestly, this place is just…massive. Better yet, it puts most of what went down in my time to shame. Grandpa Max would've thought this place was something else." Ben replied wishing his grandfather, Gwen and Kevin were here to see something this incredible
"I am sure that if they ever find their way to you, that they will enjoy all of the splendors that Terra has to offer! Ohhh, there is so much to do and show you!" Fulgrim said back excitedly"
"That can be done at a later date, Fulgrim. What matters now is that we meet with the Emperor and the Sigilite and nothing further." Leona El'Jonson spoke in not wanting to waste in time when they had to meet with their father
"Oh come now, Leona. Surely you can find it in your heart...or whatever you call that thing in your chest, to show him around. It will not kill us to let him see what Terra itself has to offer." Fulgrim tried to suggest but the frigid predatory stare was all that she would get from the commander of the 1st Legion
'Hey Morganna, is she always like this?' Ben asked having formed with Morganna what he dubbed the Mind Radio
'Yes, Leona is someone who is completely duty-bound to her work and her Legion. Which on one hand is commendable, as she is the most implaccable when it comes to her duties. On the other hand can be frustrating given that all she ever focuses on is conquests in our fathers name.' Morganna the Red telepathically answered back
'Wait, really?...So there's nothing else that she has going on besides just fighting in this Great Crusade? That's pretty boring when you get right too it.' Ben asked back
"As far as I am aware of, no? It isn't as though any of us have tried to ask and see what other interests she has outside of it. She is rather secretive, and honestly I do worry what will become of her once the Great Crusade ends.' Morganna the Red answered back in regards to the secretive crusader
'With her and her legion having no other battles to fight and wars to be waged for the Emperor. I fear that it might leave her if not those in her Legion subject to the trappings of the Ruinous Powers…Leona may be the most loyal to our father...more than any of us save Sekhmet. That being said, she forgets that not everyone can share her unwaivering loyalty and unflinching resolve to exterminate the Imperium's enemies.' Morganna the Red further spoke and the almost inhumane determination Leona had to eviscerate all threats to the Imperium at the Emperor's behest
'So it is either find her a hobby or put her on the watchlist?' Ben questioned
'More or less, yes. Although if that ever happens, I am sure that together we could neutralize her before she becomes a problem. She may be one of the greatest duelists to ever be among my sisters. However, the raw strength that I can command through my psychic might; should be more than enough to overwhelm her!' Morganna the Red answered back in full confidence of her psionic might
'Just remember that you'll need to get creative, just in case she has any anti-sorcery nonsense up her sleeve. You might be a powerhouse, Morganna, but it never hurts to have a few contingency spells up your sleeve just in case.' Ben responded knowing from experience that being a sorcerer was great but to continue being one that you were going to need
'Great point, perhaps after we have finished convening with the Emperor, you could help me with ideas for protective runes. I have come up with several should any adversary cross my path.' Morganna the Red told the Ultimatrix bearer
'Show me what you've got so far, and I will do the best I can to help out.' Morganna the Red spoke as she and Ben continued to have their telepathic conversation
"You have been rather quiet since we landed Konstance, is something bothering you?" Lorna Aurellian asked the solemn Night Haunter
"I wish to have this ordeal dealt with as quickly as possible, and nothing further." Konstance Kurze told the Urizen
"If anything I should be asking the same of you. Normally you would be bursting with excitement to see our father again. Yet you remain as composed as Dorn or Sekhmet." Konstance Kurze further spoke regarding Lorna's reserved composure
"With the revelation of the 4 blasphemous deities existing, and the ruin that they wish to unleash on mankind. I have begun to call into question my belief in the Emperor and the secrets kept from us…I still wish to serve him and the Imperium, without question. However, I cannot help but feel as though something is wrong ever since dealing with the abominations of Khorne…Why did he not warn us of these monsters, surely he should have known about them and if he had then why not tell us, his most faithful soldiers and children of their existence? Does he care about what happens to us so little that he would leave us blind to the existence of such malevolent forces?" Lorna Aurellian wondered as to why they had not been informed
"Then that should be one of the many questions you and Morganna both should ask him. I have a feeling that the two of you will have much to discuss in that manner." Konstance Kurze told her sister as they continued to approach the Imperial Palace
From thereon it would not be long to soon reach to reach the massive form of the Sanctum Imperialis, which was something almost unreal for Ben to witness given the fact that there were 10 foot tall golden guards stood guard at the entryway and as they headed towards the opulent home of the Emperor of Mankind. Wherein upon coming to the entryway was Ben met by 2 figures flanked by a guard of Custodes wielding Power Glaives, which Ben recognized for all their importance given that the Matriarchs and Emperor's Children Honor Guard bowed before them.
One being an elderly man who looked to be the same age as Grandpa Max if not a bit older with a mane of whitish-silver hair, his wrinkled face carrying with it centuries upon centuries of knowledge, secrets that should stay as such, an experiences that would mentally break a lesser man, as he stared at the Ultimatrix wielder with a stoic gaze that was scrutinizing all the same. Wherein he wore a pair of simple golden-brown robes that underneath had some kind of armor, and a stave of unknown make in his hand as he stood alongside the giant that Ben could only assume was the Emperor of Mankind.
Given that who else was a 14 foot tall giant with hair as black as the void of space that went to his mid-back in a lustrous maine, eyes a brilliant shining scarlet like that of a sun, who stood broad-shouldered and immesurably proud as though he held dominion over all creation. With his also wearing an immaculately made set of high-tech golden armor that mat for all its splendor and radiance, made him look as though he were some sort of deity that had descended on high to rule over all those lesser than their divine glory.
Wherein after pleasantries some ranging from joyous such as Sekhmet, Morganna and Fulgrim, to the stoic from Leona, the Khan, and Mortarion, to some just refusing to outright bother in the form of Furiosa, Konstance, and even Perturabo whom moreso seemed displeased to outright vitriolic in their dislike of him. Would all scatter to meet with a few of the First Captain of the Legions who had come to reunite with and meet with their leaders, as Ben in all of this would be called to meet with the Emperor alone, which while suspicious of the man in question agreed to do so, with him having to assure her nervous Konstance that he would be ok as he would go to meet with the golden-clad giant.
The golden armored giant leading the Ultimatrix wielder to accompany him to a room where they could speak in privacy, given that from the collective reports on the Ultimatrix wielder from not only Sanguinius, but from Fulgrim, Perturabo, Leona El'Johnson, and Lorna Aurellian. That the Master of Mankind was rather interested and fascinated to know what this man from the 2nd millennium wasn't only capable of, but how much he could further accelerate his plans for the Great Crusade.
"So I'm guessing that with everything that you've heard about me...good, bad, or otherwise. That you have your questions on what I'm about?" Ben asked as he had to constantly look up at the absolute unit of a golden armored man
"There are a few things that I am curious of, Ben Tennyson. However, they are nothing too important at the moment. Given that a handful of my daughters have informed me of the nature of your character. Especially in regards to your ability to craft technology on short notice that has the potential of being equivalent if not rivaling weapons from the Dark Age of Technology." The Emperor of Mankind spoke
"Yeah, and honestly what I made back on that mystery planet wasn't my best work. Kind of hard to build anything outstanding when all you have scraps lying around. Then again, you learn make do with what you have and make something awesome out of it." Ben replied in seeing what he'd done on Karakinos as some of his not so best work with what he had to work with
"Given that you were able to undo the damage dealt by and remove the Butcher's Nails from Furiosa, create a functional starship, and improve upon and create weaponry for those trapped on that rock. Among other such creations that I have been made note of, I will say that I am impressed for the most part by your capabilities." The Emperor of Mankind remarked
"Thanks, and with Furiosa it wasn't much to do. I'm just a really great surgeon when I need to be…also, I feel like you and your daughters should talk about what's going on with those Chaos Gods. Since we did have to fight one of them and I don't know if they told you, but they were acting as though they were a military unit…So if I were you, I would be on guard for any other shenanigans like that in the future." Ben spoke while making sure to mention the threat of Khorne they had faced against
"Yes, I was made aware of this by both Morganna and Sekhmet both…I had hopes that this day would not come so soon, or a the very least that I would everything in place to handle the issue myself. However, things have come to pass nonetheless." The Emperor of Mankind replied having long since dreaded this day in question
"Well, I'll tell you this much. They are some nasty customers and if they're already this active, then I have a feeling that you and your people are gonna need to gear up. Because, if one of them is a problem; then I'm pretty sure that all 4 of them coming down on you and your Imperium is gonna be another issue altogether." Ben said back
"Especially, since they, or at least the Khorne guy who sent his goons after us; is going to have his eyes on you and your daughters. So if you have any anti-daemon stuff on hand, I would get that onto some of them as soon as possible…That and check to see if anyone in their Legions may have one of these Chaos Gods eyes on them to be safe, because for all you know there could be a rat for one of them in the mix; and not even you would know it." Ben suggested to a thoughtful Emperor
"Hmmm, you do make a compelling point. The very last thing that is needed is for the Great Crusade to be brought to a halt. Especially by the likes of an Astartes who has fallen willingly or unwillingly to the designs of the Ruinous Powers." The Emperor of Mankind said in knowing that if the forces of Chaos were to begin corrupting anyone of the 18 Legions that soon enough disaster would follow suit
"Believe me, I may not know your daughters as well as you do, but I do know that they're good people. The last thing I want is for them to get suckered into anything these Chaos jerks get them into." Ben replied as a small smile graced the giants' regal features
"Now that is something we can both agree upon, Ben Tennyson. That being said, in regards to your aiding the Legions that my daughters command in the Great Crusade. I have no issue with this, given that any aid that is given so freely and comes with such positive yields is welcomed." The Emperor of Mankind said back
"Really? So you don't have a problem with me using my aliens then? Sekhmet and some of the others told me that your Imperium wasn't a big fan of them." Ben spoke in regards to his transformations
"No I do not, I have weighed the amount of good and progress that your Xenos transformations can accomplish for the Imperium. Therefore, I will have no issue with your use of them. If they can bring furhter planets into compliance, eliminate threats regardless of their beng Xenos or no, and secure the completion of the Crusade that much swifter. Then so be it, I will have no objections to it." The Emperor of Mankind responded in seeing the use of these transformations as beneficial from a purely pragmatic standpoint
"Huh, that honestly makes things a bit easier…I'm not gonna lie this had my nerves in a mess for a long time." Ben admitted to the massive Emperor
"While I have my reservations against most Xenos, I know when to keep things in the purely objective and pragmatic. To disallow you the use of one of your strongest tools, when it could be put to better use in completing our mandate across the stars would be foolish." The Master of Mankind responded
"Besides, with the strength of what you are capable of. Both technology-wise and with your Xenos forms, there is one favor that I want from you…Something that I think would be entertaining from a personal standpoint." The Emperor of Mankind further spoke as an idea came to mind
"What did you have mind, Mr tall, golden, and really fucking strong?" Ben questioned
"Given the nature of your various transformations, I wanted to see how well they can withstand against my Custodes." The Emperor of Mankind answered back
"Wait, what are the Custodes?...Sorry, I'm from the past and I am still catching up on everything." Ben apologized out of confusion
"You are fine, but to answer your question. The Custodes are my 10,000 golden guards, they are my utmost in terms of the best the Imperium has to offer. The strength, speed, and skill that each commands is beyond even that of the soldiers within my daughters' Legions." The Emperor of Mankind said with a proud smile at one of the greatest of his creations
"Alright, even I gotta admit that sounds pretty cool." Ben replied
"Indeed, and as such I want to test them against the might of your transformations. Think of it as a sort of exhibition match of sorts, this way I can see what more you are personally capable of. Meanwhile, I can see if after these many years of service if my Custodes are still up to the task or need to be improved in any measure…There is much that is to be prepared against, and given the nature of what you possess I would be remiss if I did not test my elite against someone with the power to combat and defeat a Great Daemon, as well as a berserk Furiosa." The Emperor of Mankind suggested to the Ultimatrix wielder
"And this is just a friendly match right? No hidden strings attached or anything?" Ben questioned
"No, nothing of that sort. I just wish to see for myself the strength of what you are capable of vs the strength of my Custodes and what they have to offer. If we are going to be working together, I see it as only fair that I know with my own eyes the strength of new ally." The Emperor of Mankind told the Ultimatrix bearer
"Alright, I will take you at your word sir...Fair word of warning, I cannot promise they won't come out of it too beat up" Ben said extending a hand towards the Golden-Clad ruler of mankind
"Excellent, and beyond that I am sure that there are a number of other things that you wish to discuss. Questions about what the Imperium at large is, as well as the Great Crusade itself, among other things within the 31st Millenium?" The Emperor of Mankind spoke to the Ultimatrix bearer who nodded
From there the next nearly 4 hours between Ben and The Emperor of Mankind was spent informing the former on things from the Imperium as a whole, to the Tech Priests of Mars given his affinity for machinery, to the Great Crusade in its mission statement to unite humanity as a whole; alongside things such as the Imperial Truth, and even the likes of the Aeldari both Craftworld and Drukhari. Wherein Ben was put through quite a loop given that even with an hours long explanation on the topics discussed that the Ultimatrix wielder was finding it a considerable lot to take in, in addition to having to play catch-up to 30,000 years of missed events.
As such by the time they had finished their conversation with one another, the Ultimatrix wielder was left while more knowledgable about the Imperium overall, was simultaneously confused and left wondering more in regards to the totality of the Imperium of Mankind. All the while, the Emperor of Mankind was left with a small grin at not only having a powerful asset to further accelerate the progress of the Great Crusade, but this would also key him into the exact level of skill and power Ben had beyond the reports given to him by his daughters.
'Soon enough, I will be able to see firsthand the strength of what you are. But more importantly, to the scale of what the Imperium will have to prepare itself against; should the forces of Chaos manage to turn you.' Were the thoughts of the ruler of Mankind
(8 hours later, 10:40 Pm, Imperial Palace)
Meanwhile, as day would shift to night would Konstance Kurze remain unable to sleep, the sight of being on Holy Terra leaving her unable to rest properly when the thought of having to lead her sons once more filled her thoughts, at least until she felt the presence of one of her sisters approaching.
"What do you want?" Was the curt words of the Night Haunter
"I was wanting to see if; I was not the only person who could not rest…Not to mention, that with my powers having returned to me in full. I could sense your distress from halfway across the Palace...I did not know you were this troubled, Konstance" Came the words of Furiosa as she approached
"So I came to see what was troubling you?...Now that I can once more feel the emotional states of others, you out of everyone are the most overcome by such things. Then again with your upbringing I could not blame you." Furiosa added as she soon stood beside her fellow Matriarch
"Between having to return to commanding my sons, returning to this dreaded Crusade, and all of the filth that continues to infect Nostramo. Could you blame me for not being happy by any measure?...Besides, if there is one common thread that we both share it is that our upbringings were nothing but suffering." Konstance Kurze spoke as once more what she faced with the brutal nihilism of the world around her
"You are not wrong, Konstance. There is not a day that goes by that I do not hate being forced to fight in the arenas of Nuceria. Having to fight against so many that were undeserving in the fighting pits, having the Nails forced into my skull, and watching those I grew up with...Those that I fought with, those that I cherished as my own blood family, and those I had loved as my own; die because our father couldn't be bothered to intervene…To say that I have suffered thus far would be an understatement." Furiosa replied as her days on Nuceria were ones that would haunt her for the rest of her immortal days
"Then let me ask you another question." Konstance Kurze spoke as she turned her attention fully to her towering redhead of a sister
"Ask, sister. I have nothing to hide from you." Furiosa replied
"Why do you continue to stay and fight for the Imperium? Why do you choose to lead the 12th Legion, and serve in this almost endless Crusade of his. Especially, when I and the others know full well of your hatred for the Emperor?...You and I both know, that, you do not wish to be a part of the Crusade and yet for some reason I cannot foresee. No matter how dark futures, I look within, you continue to stay. Why is that, when you hold our father in contempt more than anyone?" The Night Haunter questioned her dark eyes looking into Furiosa
"...I have wondered that myself, Konstance. To be quite honest with you, if I were a better woman than what I am now. Then I would see to it that the Emperor is butchered like a pig and strung up on his golden throne for all to see. However, I hold myself from doing so knowing that it would invite ruin on a scale unparalleled and terrors that will make what I had gone through on Nuceria look like paradise by comparison." Furiosa replied with nothing but pure contempt towards her creator
"I knew that your contempt for the Emperor ran deeper than most. But to see him murdered outright, that…that has exceeded even my own expectations of your hatred for him." Konstance Kurze said back actually surprised to hear one of her sisters admit to wanting to brutally murder their father
"Konstance, our father is a tyrant and a brutal one at that. He will sacrifice us all to see his ambitions met, he will see worlds full of innocents burn; simply to leave their own lives in peaceful existence…And worse yet, even when the Great Crusade ends. Who is to say that another one will not take its place, and not lead us to another crusade of near endless war and subjugation." The Matriarch of the World Eaters spoke knowing that sooner or later their Legions would be rendered obsolete in the wake of the Great Crusade's end
"I will not lie when I say that, I-I am not prepared for the end of what is to come when the Great Crusade finally ends…Not only will I have to find a place for myself in a new era of peace, but I will also have to find a place for the horrific monsters that taint the 8th Legion. Monsters that I have yet to cull from the Legion properly, in order to ensure true justice within it." Konstance Kurze replied having worried for how she would be able to wrangle the monstrous sons of the 8th Legion
After all, while the Terran-born ones of the 8th Legion were the least problematic to deal with, it was the majority of the Nostroman-born ones that gave her the most concern, not only for the fact that they continued to pervert her ideals for justice and act as immoral monsters that terrorized the guilty and innocent alike. But it was her almost tangible fear that once the Great Crusade was over, and that there were no more wars to be had, nor worlds to bring into compliance that the monsters that pervaded her Legion would soon run rampant not as the worst of Nostramo's underworld, but not as demigods of unchecked terror and mayhem…ones that were no doubt rife for the taking in the eyes of Chaos.
"I share the same for my sons in the 12th, as a Legion born and created to commit nothing but bloodshed. The day when the Crusade comes to an end; will be a bittersweet one…It is why I am working alongside Ben and Sekhmet both to redefine and improve my Legion as a whole. The World Eaters deserve to have a chance in the aftermath of this Crusade, and I wish to give that to them." Furiosa said before turning herself fully towards the Night Haunter
"If you want, I would not mind lending my aid towards helping you do the same for your Legion. I am sure that Ben would not mind it either. If anything I am sure that he has talked to you about a few alternatives on how to improve the numbers of the Night Lords and lessen the taint within it." Furiosa further spoke with an offer that surprised the Night Haunter to hear
"You of all people are willing to help me?...What do you have to gain out of this, Furiosa, why would you help me? The most wretched and reviled of our sisters, improve her Legion?" Konstance Kurze questioned her darkened eyes searching for a reason within the Red Angel
"Because it is something that I should have done ages ago. We are sisters, both by suffering and blood, we are the most hated of our sisters and the ones who by virtue have been met with nothing but unkindness by our homeworlds and the galaxy around us. However, it is by that same token, why I wish to help you, I want to do for you what I could not do for my battle-sisters and battle-brothers on Nuceria. I want to help improve and make things better, to make it so that we can grow together as something more than what we are and stand for." Furiosa answered back
"We do not have to be defined as simply the Matriarch of the bloodiest Legion, nor the Night Haunter who leads the most horrifying of the Astartes. We can be so much more than that, we can be greater than our chosen lot in life, and more importantly greater than what that tyrant has seen fit for us to exist as." Furiosa spoke putting a hand on her sisters' shoulder
"We can be heroes, can we not? Do you believe, that by some impossible miracle, that it may be possible...That there is hope for us yet, that we and our wretched Legions can become heroes? Even with the oceans of blood on our hands, and the lives deserving and innocent we have reaped in our fathers' name?" Konstance Kurze questioned with a rare look of hope upon her pale scarred features
"I am positive of it, and while it may not be an easy road ahead of us to reinvent our Legions, as something that can be seen as heroes of the Imperium. I know that it can be done, Konstance…You wish to know why I choose to stay and fight for the Imperium alongside the 12th, despite my contempt for it and our father, then I will tell you." Furiosa responded
"...It is so that once it is all over, that there will no longer be worlds where another Furiosa will have to live in chains. That there will not be another Konstance Kurze living in the streets without hope nor home to call her own. That there will not be another Corax having to fight for a freedom that should have been there's from the beginning. I choose to fight despite my contempt, so that another will never have to know what we have lived through, and it is that dream alone that pushes me further." Furiosa further spoke as to why despite it all she continued to fight alongside the World Eaters and for the Imperium
"That is a goal that I can truly stand behind…It is actually rather noble I might even add." Konstance Kurze replied in respect of her sisters' reasoning
"After all that I had witnessed on Nuceria, the Nails or no; the galaxy deserves to never have another put in chains ever again. That is why, I will work till the end of my lifetime to ensure that such disgusting things are made a thing of the past. I refuse to let another become as I once was." Furiosa said back with a resolve in her voice that could shatter mountains
"Then in that case, I will aid you in that endeavor if you are willing to help me learn to be a hero. I hope that you will hold my hand steady, as I strive to steer my Legion away from the wretchedness that has infected it." The Night Haunter said to the Red Angel
"That sounds like a deal. I have a feeling that together we may just create something good out of the nightmares that are our Legion. The horrors of the 8th and the wrath of the 12th, bringing justice to the greater galaxy…that is a combination to be beheld without a doubt." Furiosa replied knowing that together the World Eaters and Night Lords would be a combination the galaxy over that would bring many to their knees
"Now that, THAT I can get behind. Soon worlds over will have justice enforced upon it, and lawlessness and chaos will be eradicated without fail!" The Night Haunter spoke as a zealously thrilled grin split across her face
"One step at a time, Konstance. For now, we plan on how to redefine our Legions. Then we can focus on enforcing justice onto the galaxy." Furiosa told the Matriarch of the 8th
"Very well…In the meantime, would you mind staying here with me? I would not mind the company of another, now that I know it someone who I find more tolerable." Konstance Kurze said in adding Furiosa to the small list of people that she actually liked
"If you do not mind it, then I will be happy to do so...My dearest sister." Furiosa replied as she spent the majority of the night alongside her dark-haired sister
(2 days later, October 17th, 950. M30, Holy Terra, 1:25 Pm)
Meanwhile, Sekhmet was currently talking to Sanguinius whilst she was practicing the viola; something that had become an enjoyable hobby for the Lupercal under Ben's suggestion; having found a recent love for music to be a wondrous one.
"I still find it hard to believe that you have found a love of music. I never would have fancied you a lover of the arts, Sekhmet." Sanguinius spoke surprised to see the Lupercal having taken to learning an instrument in her free time
"Neither would I. However, after giving it a try, I have found myself enjoying the practice or learning music. It is rather relaxing all things considered." Sekhmet replied as she continued to practice the songs suggested to her by the Ultimatrix wielder
"Besides, it is something to take up my time when I am not on the battlefield…It is honestly strange to know that my talents could extend to something outside of war and battle tactics. Especially, when I am so naturally inclined towards being nigh-unparralled at war and diplomacy that it is almost 2nd nature." Sekhmet further spoke in finding the dichotomy between her endeavors into the fine arts and the art of war and battle to be strange but welcoming all the same
"I will say this first and foremost, that I am happy to see you expand your horizons...Here I thought you would stay firmly locked within the realms of wafare." Sanguinius said back happy for her sister
"Thank you, Sanguinius...It is with these new pursuits that I have undertaken as of late. Both to balance out all that I am as a warrior of the Imperium, and for my own peace. That has had me to wonder what life will be like once the Great Crusade is over." Sekhmet spoke as she continued to play her viola
"Is there something that you wish to aspire towards once it is all over?" Sanguinius questioned
"At the moment, no. Although, it will be an adventure to see what captures my attention. For now, it may be music, another moment it may be painting, and another it may involve sculpting or creating cinema that details the exploits of what we have accomplished. I cannot say, but what I do know is that I am happy to see where my exploration into the arts will take me." Sekhmet answered back with a measure of excitement and curiosity at where this would lead her
"Speaking of futures to consider when the Crusade is over. Is there anything you have planned once it is all said and done? There must be something that the Great Angel has planned when all campaigns have been finished. I am sure that you have something in mind when there are no more world to sconquer," Sekhmet said stopping in the practice her viola
"Hmmm, I have not given that any thought ironically enough. The managing of my sons and making sure that they are ok, to function in everyday life has distracted me from such things…I know that it would involve the arts as well, given that I love everything from painting, to sculpting, to leatherworking, and so much more. That I honestly, cannot say…I guess we are in the same boat so to speak regarding the future after the Crusade." Sanguinius replied with a small chuckle
"Give it time, and I'm sure that the Imperium's favorite daughter will find a new hobby in no time. You are too talented to not have something to draw your eye." Sekhmet spoke back
"Nonetheless, I am looking forward to getting back out there. I do miss it you know, fighting alongside my sons, working alongside the Mournival to bring worlds into compliance be it through peace or warfare. I miss being out there and being a woman of action." Sekhmet further spoke in having missed being in the middle of it all in the time she was stranded on Karakinos
"Luckily enough, you will find no shortage of battles to be waged, Sekhmet. The Great Crusade has only continued to rage even further in your absence…Not to mention your Wolves are practically howling to fight alongside you once more. Especially, Abbadon; he has missed you I think the most out of anyone in your Legion." Sanguinius informed her sister
"Then it is a good thing that we will be reuniting soon enough. While I have done my best to keep in contact with him, and others from the 16th Legion. I cannot overstate it enough regarding how much I have missed being with them in person." Sekhmet spoke regarding her genuinely having missed her sons
While the Lupercal had put on a face of reliability, high spirits and confidence in the face of what had gone on on Karakinos and their voyage back to holy Terra, the Matriarch of the 16th would not lie when she would say that being away from her Legion had been an ordeal. Wherein Sekhmet had missed having the company from those in the Mournival, to the Sergeants of the companies within and many more that she had continued to know and treat as though they were her family…granted a highly competitive family of demigods of war, but a family she treasured nonetheless.
"Trust me when I say that when you see them once more, that you will find them eager and willing to fight harder than they ever have. I have seen firsthand how these past few months have hardened the Luna Wolves…to say that their resolve and fighting spirits have intensified in your absence is an understatement." Sanguinius replied as their fervor and desire to prove themselves had borderline matched the World Eaters in their ferocity for battle
"If that is the case, then I cannot wait to see them in the weeks to come. Especially with all of the ways I have come up with to improve the strength of the 16th. Especially, now that I will be working alongside Furiosa and Lorgar to improve the compliance rates of our worlds." Sekhmet said back
"You managed to get Furiosa to agree to help you take worlds? That is something I never thought that I would hear." Sanguinius spoke
"Actually, it is an idea that Ben brought to our attention on the voyage back to Terra. He suggested that if we all work together to share the workload that comes with bringing worlds into compliance. That we should come together as a unified front to do so, both as comrades and as a family funnily enough…Something that I actually agree with, if I am to be completely honest." Sekhmet said in finding the idea to be rather useful given that from what she had seen Mortarion and Perturabo had already been in talks of figuring out how to take worlds as a dynamic duo
"So I am lending my help to my sister to help them improve not only themselves; but their Legions as well. It has been a rather enlightening experience, Sanguinius. I have been able to grow closer to Furiosa, Lorgar, and even Perturabo to an extent because of it…It feels nice to be able to bond with my sisters and learn alongside them as much as to mentor them in warfare, where I am needed." Sekhmet further spoke in finding it to be a great experience to learn more about how her sisters functioned both as people and as warriors to fight alongside
"I have to admit, that this Tennyson character has been able to work wonders. From the removal of Furiosa's Nails, to making Perturabo somewhat more sociable, to even getting Konstance to calm down, and even inspire Lorgar to train and grow stronger. He is unusual for a human to say the very least." Sanguinius responded finding that Ben was a curious sort regarding the changes he had begun in her sisters thus far
"I will admit that he is something of an oddity, but given all of what he is capable of. He is without a doubt something admirable, and while I do not know how he does it. He is nothing is not incredible in how he is able to reach and strike up bonds with others." Sekhmet said back in not knowing how he was able to do so but finding it remarkable all the same
"And what changes do you think he will continue to bring out in our sisters? Understand that while I am happy for what changes he has caused so far, the Great Crusade can and has brought out both the best and the worst in all of so far." Sanguinius questioned
"I cannot say for certain. However, I do know that whatever changes he brings out in all of us, that they will see this Crusade brought to an end. That much I am sure of from what he has shown of himself, both ability-wise, with what he can create, and on the strength of his character that I have seen." Sekhmet responded in confidence of Ben's character from what she had seen on that mystery planet in his interactions with the other Matriarchs barring Leona
"Then I wish him and all of you the best, as there are a mountains worth of challenges ahead of. Challenges that are going to push the limits of what he is capable of withstanding." Sanguinius said back
"Thank you, I appreciate your words of warning and care…That being said, there is one additional thing you could help me with." Sekhmet told the Great Angel
"What would that be?" Sanguinius asked with a head-tilt
"Fulgrim is feeling inspired and as such is working with Ben to compose a 'rock opera' if you would…In my being caught up in the moment, I may have gotten into a wager with her, over who could create the best one yet." Sekhmet said as during one of the rare times she drank in celebration of their impending return she may have made the bet with the Phoenician
"And you were wondering if I would aid you in this endeavor?" Sanguinius asked as Sekhmet nodded bashfully
"Very well, but for Throne's sake do try to not make bets with Fulgrim anymore. You and I both know that there are many things she is good at and music is especially one of them…Therefore, I hope you are ready to spend the better part of the day composing music, because that is what we are doing from now until dusk." Sanguinius said as she cracked her knuckles knowing that there was work to be had
'At least I get to do some much-needed sisterly bonding.' Were the Lupercal's thoughts as the two went to work on doing so
And so with Ben and the Matriarchs having finally made it to Holy Terra, and Ben meeting with the Emperor to officially induct himself as part of the Great Crusade; the real question remains on how things will spiral out from here now that the Ultimatrix wielder and galactic war hero endeavors to put forth his own aid to the Imperium and the 18th Legions as large. Well, you'll have to stay tuned and find out this and more on the all new chapters of Ultimate Alien: Primarch Force!
Alright, that'll do it for this one everybody as we have at last made it to Holy Terra, and as such further shenanigans to come as soon enough Ben will get himself involved in some compliances for the Imperium of Mankind. So with your wonderful support as we continue to dive in deeper into the misadventures waiting for us in the 31st Millenium, I do want to extend my gratitude towards all of you for sticking around so long, and as such hope to see you guys continue on the wild ride ahead.
Therefore, this is Pravus666 signing off until next time as Ben meets with some more of the Legions as they reunite with their Matriarchs, as well as the exhibition between himself and the Custodes in the 1st ever Blood Games, so stay tuned for that good stuff! Also, at the time of this dropping Happy Halloween and Spooks to all and to all a good fright!
Part 1 Theme Song: Black out the Sun by Sevendust
Random End Song: Holy Water by Sevendust
Now then onto some of the reviews from the previous Chapter
chowchow10181 (Chapters 1, 17): Holy Crap, I can't believe this actually got a TV Tropes Page...thanks for the heads up my guy! Also, with the Night Lords one one hand it is someone that can actually get Konstance to act stable and not completely insane and wanting to turn them into human origami out of pure spite towards their existence. On the other hand it'll feel like this is something too good to be true, and that if something happens on their watch...it'll only get so much worse!
Skull Flame: I wanted to give the Lupercal some hobbies so that I can explore the idea of how she is going to handle doing things once the Great Crusade is over. Since it gives her a nice bit of 'Who am I, and what further is there beyond the war' type of plots to go down. Also when I said that Lorna was gonna become a battle preacher I meant it, and it all starts with physical training! To be fair, Konstance did say that once they got off planet that she was gonna give it to Ben the first chance she got...the hesitation on that was zero if any, also now that she and Ben have sealed the deal...she is never letting that man go. Furiosa introducing the World Eaters to One Piece is too good, especially when Whitebeards death comes up...I can almost see Kharn becoming her Zoro when he gets fully invested into it. Also, Morganna would be taking notes on top of notes for all of the Alchemy she would be seeing, her trying to replicate Mustang's Flame Alchemy and Ed and Al's Alchemy, is something I'm putting for later. Not to mention, Lorna would definitely be the type to not only do character studies on Truth but would see some really eerie parraells between Father and Big E when you think about it.
Kourtney Uzu Yato: Yup Ben meets with Sanguinius and while things went well as now Sanguinius knows of Chaos as well. I will tell you this much, the Khorne vision that Sanguinius saw of Ben being a Champion of Khorne...that was one of the futures where the Imperium got of lightly. Because at least in that one the Imperium had a chance, so just a fair warning of how just absolutely nuts Ben as a Chaos Champion can get. Also, with Ben and Konstance having now made the beast with 2 backs...that woman is never letting Ben go, if anything this just means that she's going to put herself and the night Lords on a training arc, so that no matter what happens Nothing will ever hurt Ben if she can help it. Also, no the room was not soundproofed and now Mortarion, Fabius Bile, a good chunk of the 3rd Legion, and Leona will never be able to look at Ben the same way again; after what happened when he and Konstance knocked boots. Finally, while that is fair of Furiosa given how the nails messed up her mental and emotional state, she does hold herself to a much higher standard now that she's no longer with the Butcher's Nails, because from hereon she wants to make sure her Legion is something that she's not only proud of but her fallen comrades on Nuceria would've been as well.
MasterPanda1255: All I can say for Ben once Fulgrim joins in on the action is the go to the nearest Techmarine and Apothecary, and have his hips and back reinforced. Because oh boy will that man learn endurance...and lots of it when that day comes.
Fusion Core Reactor: Hey your completely fine, as I can't really blame you for forgetting that this takes place in 30K and not 40K. Yeah, Ben still lives and he now has something to keep coming back to, that being a big-tiddy goth gf who can and will skin his enemies alive on cue. Also, I wanted to address the Alien X in the room, given that for one even with having full control over them, I doubt Ben would just use them all willy-nilly given how he understands that cosmic power like that isn't something you just use unless it is absolutely neccessary. Secondly it is that Ben won't use Alien-X or at least won't without caution and it being a dire emergency, given that he doesn't know what will happen if he uses its powers and how much of a kickback the Warp will give in return especially how far his reality warping will effect the Warp and its many layers...One wrong move and the Sea of Souls becomes an unstable Category 5 Hurricane and the Imperium is looking at Old Night on Crack and Bath Salts.
MujonaNemo: That is because the other Chaos Gods haven't turned their full-ass attention onto him. Since at the moment it is only Khorne who is directly staring down on Ben and as such his 'bad ending' is him being a Champion of Khorne. So as more of the Ruinous Powers and even Vashtorr or Bela'Kor turn their attention to him, then his becoming a potential warmaster of Chaos could happen...So its really a matter of who and or what Ben's worst moments reflect and at the moment its looking really 'Blood for the Blood God' at his worst.