PonyHammer 40,000: Magic of War II | Discord Rising

by Dragon Heart

Rating: teen
Tags: Dark, Alternate Universe, Original Character, Spike, Crossover, Main 6, Gore, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Length: 23220

It is the forty-first millenium, and there is no more friendship, only... WAR!

Only a year ago, the Arctika sector was all but doomed. The hive ships of the Paranids hung over each world, seeding them with obscene creatures. The Paranids were ready to feast. But these worlds are also the recruiting ground for the Blood Phoenixes; a Chapter of the Empress's own Pony Marines. And they refused to yield.

The veteran Applejack weathered pitiless animal attacks, allowing Pinkie Pie and her scouts to find weaknesses in our ravenous foes. While Hoovitus leveled his righteous fury upon the xenos, Rainbow Dash descended upon them on wings of lightning. And Goliath Nule, the first to fall against the Paranids, returned from death in the form of a mighty Harmonaught. Commander Hammerheart led them all. Together, they fought across the deserts of Dolmaska, through the jungles of Salika, and beneath the great spire-cities of Galantius. They faced an implacable enemy, and they triumphed.

But there is a truth more implacable than any Paranid. A new threat will always emerge. Once, Planet Arctika was the sector's crown jewel, home to billions of souls. Then came the warp storms. They pushed Arctika into a new orbit, encased the planet in ice, and swallowed it whole. For a thousand years, the Warp held Arctika in its terrible grip, depositing untold horrors across its surface. Now, Planet Arctika has returned. It should be a barren ball of ice. But a signal is coming from its surface. A Blood Phoenixes signal. A call for help.

Final expansion

(WarHammer 40,000 belongs to Games Workshop)

Published 2013-07-13 14:20:01 UTC
Last updated 2013-08-12 07:09:02 UTC

Uprising at Alicorn Forge

Hammerheart and the Pony Marines returned to the Retribution, along with Steedion's gene-seed. Captain Pegalos appeared onscreen and was informed of the Eldeer presence on Arctika.

"The Eldeer return to the sector could not have come at a worse time, Commander Hammerheart." said Pegalos. "As you suspected, the House Brae Tyre militiaponies who ambushed you at Rogant Glacier were not an isolated band of malcontents. More Brae Tyre rebels have risen up against Equestrial authority on Galantius. The Retribution will take you there to provide support. Governess Fluttershy will have further details for you when you arrive."

"What of Planet Arctika, Captain Pegalos?" Twilight asked.

"Twilight, I am reassigning you to Commander Hammerheart's strike force." said Pegalos. "You will all return to Arctika once the crisis on Galantius has stabilized. Pegalos out."

Twilight stepped up to Hammerheart. "Thank you for your intervention, Commander Hammerheart." She said. "The Empress's favor is clearly with you and your battle siblings. It is an honor to fight alongside the heroes of Salika.

Meanwhile, Pinkie was still trying to figure out the situation that happened previously on Arctika with the Guardponies. "I still do not see how these rebels could have imitated a Blood Phoenixes distress signal." She said. "The codes and rites for using our relays are among our most closely guarded secrets."

"Our Chapter hides far more than its communication rites." said Hoovitus.

"Perhaps," said Pinkie, "but someone knew just how to draw us into that trap."

Without time to lose, the Retribution made the journey to Galantius. From orbit, something was going on down upon the great cities. Then, the Planetary Governess herself came onscreen.

"Commander Hammerheart, Governess Fluttershy here." She said. "Insurgents loyal to House Brae Tyre have launched a sabotage campaign here on Galantius. Our infrastructure is still crippled from the Eldeer and Paranid attacks, and the Brae Tyre rebels know just where to strike to cause the most damage. What's more, raids from Hog Bandits have become endemic. We could use any aid you can provide, Commander."

No doubt about it, the most heaviest hit of all areas was Alicorn Forge itself. Hammerheart brought it into full view.

"Commander, this insurgency has stretched our loyal forces to the limit." said Fluttershy. "Hog Bandits have infested the hub-blocks outside Alicorn gate, and I can spare no troops to stop them. Only you can eliminate these xenos before they reach Alicorn Forge."

"What do Hogs have to do with the insurgency?" Hammerheart asked.

"House Brae Tyre wants Alicorn Forge for itself." Fluttershy said in minor disgust. "They are driving the Hogs ahead of them in order to weaken the Forge's defenses. If the insurgents take Alicorn Forge, they will have access to massive weapon stores."

"How well-defended is the Forge?" Hammerheart asked.

"Most Equestrial Guard forces have been diverted to deal with Brae Tyre insurgents." Fluttershy explained. "Those Guardponies still at the forge are dangerously short-hoofed. The defensive gate has been restored, but it remains in a weakened state. If Alicorn gate falls, nothing stands between the rebels and the forge."

After the transmission ended, Rainbow Dash approached Hammerheart with an idea.

"My Pegasus Marines are ideally suited for this mission, Commander Hammerheart." She said. "The invasion left that area a maze of walls and obstacles. Our wings will allow us to get access across any blockades."

A Terrible Surprise

On the streets near Alicorn Gate, Hogs bandits were waddling all over looking for something to make their own. Away from the gate, a quiet whistle grew louder, and a drop pod smashed onto the street. Out came Hammerheart and the other Pony Marines.

"I will be glad to be done with this place." Hoovitus said bluntly.

"Surely Alicorn Forge is worth defending, Hoovitus." said Twilight.

Hoovitus looked at Twilight with discontent. "Worry about moralizing later, Unicorn. There are Hogs to kill."

They headed down the street through the ruined portion of the city, and remnants of Paranid spikes.

"Dis way!" A Hog yelled, "I saw somefin from da sky!"

Pinkie sniped one of the Hogs, and the animal's suspicions was confirmed. "Dere! Ponie Marinez!" He called out. "KILL EM, BOARZ!" The Hogs aimed their guns and fired, but Hammerheart came charging at them, smashing through the small squad. When the Hogs were killed, the Blood Phoenixes continued down the street, only to encounter more Hogs that were looting from a tower.

"More Ponie Marinez?" A Hog Nob said. "Dis is me lucky day!"

Hammerheart attacked the Nob while the others engaged the rest of the Hogs. The Hogs were gunned down slowly, but surely. Twilight used deadly magic waves to destroy the Hogs from the inside-out. Hammerheart slammed his Thunder Hammer into the Nob's side, making it keel over, and then swung it into its face.

After finishing them off, Twilight remembered what the Nob said. "Did that Pigskin say 'more Pony Marines'?" She asked.

The Pony Marines looked at each other, but answers would have to come after the battle was finished. They moved on and found the last band of Hog Bandits. They dealt them a righteous finishing blow and then received a called from Fluttershy.

"Commander Hammerheart, Governess Fluttershy here." She said. "We are receiving a distress call from inside the defensive ring."

Fluttershy played the call, which was still being transmitted by a Guardpony Sergeant. "We are under heavy fire from insurgent forces inside the perimeter!" The Sergeant said. "Heavy casualties-" The call was cut. A large mass of dark magic formed behind the Guards' firing line, and an Earth Pony in black and gold armor appeared. He lifted his sword skyward and slashed the ground, sending the Guardponies flying and dying. More Earth Ponies dressed in robes and wielding lasguns appeared and opened fire upon the Guardponies' ranks.

"Make yourselves ready." The armored Pony said to the others. "The Blood Phoenixes will be here shortly."

It was clear; the forces of Discord were invading the planet, possibly even the whole sector.

"There is a command console inside the perimeter which you can use to lower the gate, Commander." said Fluttershy. "Wings should allow you to reach it."

"Commander Hammerheart, that position is exposed." said Pinkie.

"Then we break the gate down!" said Hoovitus. "Take the fiends by surprise!"

"With Alicorn gate shattered and the defenders dead, who will hold the Forge the next time?" Twilight argued.

"Enough!" said Goliath, "Commander Hammerheart... must decide."

Hammerheart didn't have to think this over. He looked to Rainbow dash and nodded. The Pegasus took to the sky and landed on the console, but was attacked by Discord Agents. She slashed at the corrupted fiends with her power sword, and then activated the gate's mechanism, much to Hoovitus's displeasure.

Hammerheart and the Pony Marines went in, with Rainbow Dash quickly joining them. They spotted the Leader of the Discord war band, who grinned when he saw them approach.

"Ah, here are our siblings." The Leader said. "Precisely on schedule."

The Blood Phoenixes unleashed Equestrial fury upon the war band. The heretics stood little chance against their mighty weapons as they lacked any armor themselves.

"This way, my siblings..." The Leader said as he turned and trotted away. Hammerheart and the Pony Marines followed after the Leader, but more Discord forces spawned before their eyes, this time they were armored and had equal firepower to match.

Applejack brought her hoof to her comm link and contacted Fluttershy. "We have encountered Discord Pony Marines." She said.

"Understood." said Fluttershy, "The Equestrial Guard will hold them as long as they can."

"We must not... let them escape." said Nule.

When they killed off the last Discord Marine, they went after the Leader again. He stood near a ledge, evil magic swirled close by to him.

"So good to see you all again, Blood Phoenixes." The Leader said. "I remember well our sparring on Cronus." From the magic, more Discord Marines, and even a Disharmonaught, spawned to destroy everything around them. "Tell Captain Nule that his old friend Skarsend is anxious to see him again."

Applejack's eyes widened when she heard the Discord Lord speak his name. Hoovitus gritted his teeth in pious anger. Goliath, though seemingly expressionless in his bulk, was unhappy with the return of his worst enemy from the Cronus Campaign. He went to engage the Disharmonaught, and their Grappling Limbs smashed. Hammerheart and the Blood Phoenixes attacked the Discord Marines that spawned with the heretical walker. They eventually dispatched the traitors, and Goliath delivered the finishing blow to the dark walker, making it fall on its side and disappear in an inferno of daemonic fire. Unfortunately, Skarsend had managed to get away.

"The insurgents are in full retreat." said Fluttershy.

"You have more than an insurgency on your hooves, Governess Fluttershy." said Twilight. "This is a full fledged heresy."

Ice and Blood

After the grievous battle against the first Discord forces, the Pony Marines returned aboard the Retribution, and were not very pleased with the heretics' surfacing. A call came to the ship and Captain Pegalos appeared onscreen.

"This is very grave news." said Pegalos. "We cannot allow the forces of Discord to overrun our recruiting worlds. The Traitor Legions must be based on Planet Arctika, Commander Hammerheart. Return there immediately and hunt them down."

A call from Galantius came to the ship, from Governess Fluttershy, and she appeared onscreen.

"Commander Hammerheart, thank you." She said. "I can barely believe the rebels would align themselves with the forces of Discord."

"Believe it." said Hoovitus.

"Yes. Sergeant Hoovitus is right." said Fluttershy. "Denial only aids the enemy. We have recovered records from the rebels that betray the location of their main base. It is on Planet Arctika. House Brae Tyre has been operating there since the earliest days of the Paranid invasion." She grew more agitated against the occurrence. "I am dispatching troops to Arctika immediately. Time to eradicate the enemy's safe haven and end this heresy."

Hoovitus smirked. "Now you are speaking sense, Governess." He said.

After the transmission, Twilight approached Hammerheart with concern.

"Commander Hammerheart," She said, "I fear the traitor's foul warp energies may have affected us."

"Affected us how, Unicorn?" Pinkie asked.

"The corrupting influence of Discord is a powerful thing." Twilight explained. "Even the briefest encounter can stain a soul."

"We are no traitors." Pinkie said gruffly.

"Perhaps not, Pinkie," said Twilight, "but corruption can be subtle. Each step along the path may seem insignificant, but together they lead into darkness. When facing the minions of the Warp, no decision is without consequence."

As the Retribution made the journey back to Arctika, Hammerheart could not help but take what Twilight said into thought. Could he or one of his own siblings fall to Discord and heresy? These questions would have to be answered later, for they arrived.

Twilight came to Hammerheart again with a warning. "Commander Hammerheart, I have taken stock of the items recovered from the battlefield." She said. "I fear some of them resonate with very troubling magic echoes. I advise caution with these items, Commander."

The first of the Discord forces were found at the Toros Iceworks. Hammerheart brought the area into view, and Pegalos appeared onscreen.

"Commander Hammerheart, now is the time to strike back." said Pegalos. "The Dark Legion is operating from a well-fortified industrial facility on Planet Arctika. You must break into that complex and defeat the traitors within."

"What do we know about this facility?" Hammerheart asked.

"It is a geothermal power station." said Pegalos. "House Brae Tyre established it soon after Planet Arctika re-emerged from the warp. It appears to be their center of dealings with the Dark Legion."

"What about defenses?" Hammerheart asked.

"Expect to face heavily entrenched Dark Legion troops." Pegalos warned. "Equestrial Guard forces have already deployed to establish a beachhead. They report that the enemy has raised a void shield to protect key areas of the station. Bring that shield down and purge the facility, Commander."

The transmission ended, and Applejack came up to Hammerheart with an almost troubled heart.

"Commander Hammerheart," She said, "if that truly is the Skarsend we faced on Cronus..."

"It... was." Goliath said.

"Then we must expect a trap." said Applejack. "Skarsend earned a reputation for deception on Cronus. Many times over."

"Applejack... is correct." said Nule. "Skarsend is... a dangerous... foe. But we still... must take the facility."

Blasphemous Discovery

Down on the ice world's surface, Discord Heretics and Marines fought against a squad of Equestrial Guardponies, who were not doing well against such a formidable force. A drop pod landed not too far from their position, and out came Hammerheart and the others.

"Those Guardponies are up to their necks again." said Hoovitus. "Traitors with heavy weapons have them pinned."

"We need to eliminate those Discord positions." said Applejack.

"Bah! We coddle them at every opportunity..." Hoovitus said as they headed out. They approached the first squad of heretics and gunned most of them down on the spot.

"Fall back!" one of the Discord Marines yelled. The heretics turned tail and galloped away. Guardponies garrisoned inside a bunker came out, and the Sergeant from Alicorn Gate approached them.

"Blood Phoenixes!" He said. "Good to have you here, Commander Hammerheart."

"Report, Guardpony." said Pinkie.

"Yes, ma'am. Of course." The Sergeant began explaining the layout of the Discord forces' base of operations. "The enemy is heavily entrenched in holding the entirety of the facility. From what we can tell, we are facing a large number of Discord Pony Marines as well as Brae Tyre heretics. The enemy has raised some sort of powerful magic shield around the central portion of the facility."

"Auspex scans show an arcane station to the north, Commander Hammerheart." said Pinkie. "The shield must be drawing energy from there."

"We will take that station, then." said Applejack.

"We've managed to establish a field command here," The Sergeant said, "but we have yet to push any further."

Just then, more Discord Pony Marines came in and fought back hard. The Pony Marines retaliated just as hard, if not harder. The Guardponies re-garrisoned the bunker and held from there. But then an eerie ember of daemonic fire landed on top of the structure, and artillery shell blasts could be heard in the distance.

"Barrage incoming!" one of the Guardponies yelled. The bombardment struck the building with devastating force, but it still stood, with some average damage done to it.

"Find me that damn mortar battery!" The Sergeant ordered. The Guardponies quickly searched for the artillery platform, and the data was transferred to the Blood Phoenixes.

"Commander Hammerheart," said Pinkie, "coordinates are being relayed through a communications array north of here."

"The traitors are using that array to guide the artillery." said Hoovitus. "If we take it from them, we can silence those guns."

"We won't last long unless you do, Commander." The Sergeant said. He spotted another structure that could work for a defensive position. "Move up, and hold that position!" He ordered. A squad of Guardponies headed for the building, and the Pony Marines went out to cripple enemy advantages.

They advanced towards the key enemy locations, and the evil aura that tainted the area was revolting. They engaged a squad of Discord Marines, and Twilight spotted something sinister in the distance.

"Empress preserve us..." She said.

Discord Cultists were sacrificing their very selves to the ruinous powers. They exploded in a bloody, gory mess, and two hideous abominations of Discord, one riding the other, appeared between where they stood.

"The Dark Legion has summoned daemons to their side!" said Twilight.

The daemons they summoned went on a bloodthirsty rampage, killing anything within their sights. Several cultists were trampled and eaten by the riding beast. The daemons then turned their attentions to the Blood Phoenixes. Hammerheart shot the lesser daemon and slammed his hammer into the daemon beast's head, both died and disappeared in a puff of fire.

The Pony Marines moved forward and found the array. Pinkie immediately began the capture process. After a few minutes, the array was now fully claimed.

"The array is ours, Commander Hammerheart." said Rainbow Dash.

"We should be able to feed those rebel gunners some of our own target data." said Hoovitus. "Now, we can give the Dark Legion something to fear."

They headed off to deal with the rest of the Discord forces still at large, but then a strange feeling came over each and every one of the Pony Marine leaders.

"I see Skarsend was correct." a gruff and sinister voice said calmly to them. "You Blood Phoenixes are persistent."

"Where is that coming from?" Rainbow Dash asked, looking left and right.

"Over the vox." Pinkie answered. "On our private channel."

"Who are you?!" Rainbow Dash demanded.

"I am Aroghent of the Dark Legion!" the voice said, growing more tense in volume. "Plunderer of a thousand worlds! Champion of the Discord Gods! I will tear this sector from your chapter and sacrifice it to the Dark Gods!"

"We beat back the Paranids!" Rainbow Dash yelled. "You will fare no better!"

"Empty bravado will not save you, stripling." Aroghent said, further mocking the Pony Marines.

Twilight then suddenly felt a sharp pain pierce her head and torment her mind. "Commander Hammerheart..." She said, struggling to speak in her suffering. "this is a distraction... I can feel a dark ritual is underway..." The realization came to Twilight, and her eyes grew wide with horror. "A temple! They have established a temple to the powers of Discord. We must destroy it."

"Then... we will burn it... to ash." said Goliath.

They went out, slain tens of hundreds of Discord Marines, and found the generator that powered the magic shield that protected the temple. Applejack began the process of sabotage.

"Cutting power to the void field." She said. The barrier around the temple vanished. "The target is now exposed."

They headed off to raze the heretical structure that still stood, but then a disturbing piece of anonymous evidence came to Pinkie.

"Commander Hammerheart," She said, "That relay did more than just transmit target coordinates. There is a recording."

She played the recording. *... the access code for battlefield vox.* The voice came through, but it was warped and distorted. *Use them to ambush my battle siblings like you did with the distress signal and our agreement is over!*

Hoovitus raised his eyebrows, but still kept an angry look on his face. "What was that?! Someone betrayed us!"

Neither of the Pony Marines could hide their disgusted shock. Hammerheart's worst assumption came true, and there was a traitor among their ranks.

But investigation would have to wait, they still had to demolish the Discord Temple. When they approached the damned structure, they saw more cultists floating in the air, assuming a crucifix pose.

"Heretics enacting some dark ritual." said Applejack.

"They summon daemons!" said Twilight. "Destroy them!" The Sergeants attacked the cultists, and Twilight spotted the heretical building. "There is the foul temple!"

"It... must... fall!" said Captain Nule.

Though some of the cultists were killed, others were sacrificed and summoned daemons in there place. The Pony Marines attacked the warp beasts. Meanwhile, Hammerheart got in close to call for an orbital bombardment upon the temple. He raised his hammer skyward, and beams of light appeared in different locations near the temple, which exploded with massive destructive force. Soon the temple was nothing bit a pile of scrap that evaporated into fire and vanished.

"Their temple burns and falls!" said Hoovitus.

"Well done." said Twilight. But then another strange feeling came over her. "No, wait..." Pain pierced her mind once again. "Ack! The Warp..."

"What is it Twilight?" Applejack asked. "Speak."

Twilight struggled to talk in her tormenting agony. "The walls between reality and the Warp are thinning... breaking..." She turned to face Hammerheart. "Commander, we must get to the Retribution immediately!"

Pinkie was quick to react and brought her hoof to her comm link. "Pinkie to Talon Alpha." She called. "Emergency extraction."

After a few seconds, a Lightningeagle flew in and landed. The hatch opened and the Pony Marines quickly boarded. The hatch closed, and the ship swiftly took off back to the Strike Cruiser.

Back on the crumbling ground, Aroghent and Skarsend watched their mortal enemies fly away, like the cowards they believed them to be.

"You allowed them to escape, Lord Aroghent?" said Skarsend.

"Because it serves me, Skarsend!" said Aroghent. "If we kill them now, we waste the value of the traitor in their ranks." He turned around and walked away, and Skarsend followed after him, from the cliff edge they were standing near. "Your vengeance can wait."

"Of course, my lord." said Skarsend as giant glaciers erected from the ground and sea. "Of course."

"Now, prepare for the next battle." said Aroghent.

Nimbus Uprising

They managed to return to the Retribution in one piece, but the situation was just beginning to fall to pieces. Captain Pegalos appeared onscreen.

"Your victory at the Iceworks has stirred the enemy to further action, Blood Phoenixes." said Pegalos. "Dark Legion forces are attacking our scouts on Dolmaska, and pillaging our assets on Salika. I am relaying details to your planetary display. You must put an end to these raids. Maintain absolute secrecy about this mission, Commander Hammerheart. Pegalos out."

Another call came to the Retribution, from Galantius, and the Planetary Governess appeared onscreen.

"Commander Hammerheart, Governess Fluttershy here." She said. "Brae Tyre and Dark Legion forces have taken Spire Nimbus. They have erected artillery batteries and emplacements that make a large-scale assault impossible. We could use any aid you can provide, Commander."

The call ended, and Hoovitus stepped up. "Let us hear that transmission again." He said. "From the array."

"Yes, definitely." said Rainbow Dash.

"We have recovered some additional audio," said Pinkie, "but the speaker's identity is still hidden."

Pinkie played the recording from the very beginning, and the voice came out still very unintelligible. *This transmission includes the access codes for battlefield vox. I will not be party to the murder of fellow Blood Phoenixes.*

"No." Applejack breathed silently.

"There is a traitor in the Chapter." said Twilight.

"We now know how these heretics lured us to Arctika with a false distress signal." said Pinkie.

"And how that Discord freak could taunt us over our vox channel." Hoovitus added, his expression growing more murderous. "I will kill this turncoat will my bare hooves!"

"Assuming we could uncover who it is." said Rainbow Dash.

The Retribution was set for Galantius. As it made the trip, Hammerheart could only wonder who the traitor was, and why they betrayed the Blood Phoenixes to begin with. Like all other questions, they had to wait until further revealings of answers. They arrived.

Hammerheart quickly brought focus upon Spire Nimbus, and Fluttershy appeared onscreen.

"Commander Hammerheart, the Brae Tyre heresy continues to spread." The Governess said. "Brae Tyre and Dark Legion forces have taken Spire Nimbus. They have erected artillery batteries and emplacements that make a large-scale assault impossible. If you can disable these defenses, however, the Equestrial Guard can retake the spire. If not, the population of Nimbus will remain at the mercy of these heretics and daemons."

"How do we disable the defenses?" Hammerheart asked.

"The Brae Tyre heretics are using field generators to power their batteries." said Fluttershy. "Destroy these generators and the black temples defending them, and the batteries will fall silent. Foul Unicorns have also established Warp Portals which allow the Dark Legion to bring in reinforcements. Sealing these portals should stem the tide of enemies long enough for you to destroy the generators."

The transmission ended, and Rainbow Dash boldly approached Hammerheart. "You are sending me to Spire Nimbus, Commander Hammerheart." She said rather commandingly.

Applejack raised an eyebrow to the Pegasus. "Is that an order, Sergeant Rainbow Dash?"

Rainbow Dash blinked and slightly shook her head. "No... No. Forgive me, Commander." She reevaluated herself with what she truly had to say. "I request to be part of the strike force. Long ago, Spire Nimbus was my home. I will not see its citizens sacrificed to Discord."

Hammerheart smiled and nodded to the Pegasus Marine's request.

Withdrawal

Hammerheart and the Blood Phoenixes landed on the planet's surface, and they could already see what was befalling the scouts. A Unicorn of Discord held a few scouts in his dark magical grip, while Discord Marines were attacking more scouts garrisoned in a tower.

"What in the Empress's name are they doing?!" said Rainbow Dash.

"Abducting my initiates!" Pinkie said through her teeth.

Another squad of scouts approached Hammerheart. "Discord minions are attacking in force, Commander Hammerheart." one of the scouts said. "Our initiates need support."

The scouts group with Hammerheart's squad, and they went in to fend off the Discord Marines. Pinkie was quick to act and sniped them all in the head. When the coast was clear, the garrisoned scouts exited the now shattered tower. Sergeant Rojo himself approached Hammerheart.

"Another group of traitors took prisoners and headed west." said Rojo. "Empress only knows what fate the heretics have in store for them."

"Peace, Rojo." Applejack said calmly. "The Blood Phoenixes will not abandon their own."

"We will find these initiates." said Pinkie.

They moved out to search for the rest of their siblings. They traversed the sandy terrain and endured attacks from cultists until they found scouts trapped in an evil aura and being presented before a large portal.

"They are drawing those scouts into the Warp." said Twilight.

"Kill that Discord filth!" Pinkie growled. "Kill them all!"

More Cultists attacked the Pony Marines, but stood little chance against their weapons. They were reduced to piles of limbs and puddles of blood in minutes. Immediately after, they got to work destroying the portal and saving the scouts from certain doom. After a minute of pumping rounds into the damned portal, the rim around it collapsed upon itself.

"The rift is closing!" said Rainbow Dash. "Our siblings are safe!"

"For now." said Pinkie.

The Blood Phoenixes advanced onward, and found a tower full of scouts being attacked by Discord Marines and a Discord Hunter Tank. Hammerheart and the others dealt with the marines while Goliath Nule laid waste to the heretical vehicle. Eventually the heretics were slain and the tank was demolished.

"Praise the Empress!" one of the scouts shouted. "We will vanquish these heretics yet."

They moved on and soon found more scouts being attacked by a Disharmonaught. Goliath attacked the mech while Hammerheart and the others fought the Discord Marines. When the heretics and the Disharmonaught fell, all the scouts were saved.

"Our thanks, siblings." A scout said.

The Pony Marines only had to moved a few yards before finding the one responsible for the attacks conducting a dark ritual with eight cultists.

"There is the Unicorn who leads these traitors!" said Twilight.

"He dies." Pinkie exclaimed.

They went in to attack the Unicorn, but more Discord Pony Marines intercepted them. Hammerheart and the Blood Phoenixes engaged the Discord Marines first. When they were defeated, the Pony Marines attacked the cultists and the Unicorn.

"For a thousand years, I have cultivated the power of the Dark Gods." The Unicorn said as the cultists were slaughtered around him.

The Unicorn took up his staff and attacked the Blood Phoenixes, proving to be truly formidable. Hammerheart and Rainbow Dash swung at the Unicorn, but found themselves being launched back by a shock-wave of dark magic.

"I know within you tremble and cry." The Unicorn mocked.

Hammerheart went back in and struck at the Unicorn. Rainbow Dash took to the sky and flew in for a killing blow, but the Unicorn teleported away from the impacted area. He then conjured up a sinister spell that blasted dark bolts of energy at different squads of Pony Marines, damaging them considerably.

The Unicorn continued to mock them. "Your power is meager! Your courage; false!"

Hammerheart gave a mighty war shout and bolstered the morale of every Pony Marine that heard him. He swung his Thunder Hammer with great ferocity. The Unicorn was starting to show signs of weakening, but was still fighting back.

"None can escape the yawning abyss!" He shouted as he put up a barrier. Inside he was trying to recover from the fight, and conjure another dark spell.

"For the Chapter!" A voice shouted. From the sky came a Pegasus Marine that slammed into the ground near the Unicorn, shattering the weak barrier. He took up his Power Axe and began to brutally slay the Discord Unicorn, cutting off his horn and planting a blow to his face. The Unicorn fell to the ground dead.

The Pegasus Marine turned and trotted up to Rojo. "Sergeant Rojo, report." He said through the filter grill of his white helm.

Rojo was surprised as he recognized the Pegasus Marine. "Captain Philosophies?" He said. "What is the Royal Guard doing on Dolmaska?"

"We go where the Chapter wills." said Philosophies. "Now report."

Rojo's eyes grew wide and then returned to normal. "Of course, Captain." He said. "The Dark Legion used a Chapter locator to ambush us. How they obtained it, I-"

"Facts, sergeant." Philosophies softly interrupted. "Do not speculate."

Rainbow Dash stepped up. "Here are the facts, Captain: The Dark Legion killed many scouts, but abducted more." She grew angry. "This is the second trap-"

"Rainbow Dash! Be quiet." Pinkie whispered.

"Enough, sergeants." said Philosophies as he approached Hammerheart. "Commander: Take your strike team and return to your strike cruiser. Await further orders." He looked to Rojo. "Sergeant Rojo: Gather your initiates and prepare for transport to Firebase Angus." He looked to everyone. "The events of this day are to remain strictly secret. Knowledge is power, Blood Phoenixes. Guard it well."

The Bloody Hoof

Hammerheart and the Pony Marines returned aboard the Retribution, and a call from Captain Pegalos came through to them.

"Commander Hammerheart, I recommend that you depart Dolmaska as soon as possible." said Pegalos. "Captain Philosophies is initiating a stand-down order for all Blood Phoenixes on the planet. You must continue your pursuit of the Dark Legion."

"Why would Philosophies prevent us from doing that?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"The Chapter Master... dislikes contact with the Dark Legion..." said Goliath. "Philosophies... will enforce... his will."

"Goliath is correct, Commander Hammerheart." said Pegalos. "Chapter Master Traytus has pulled Blood Phoenixes back from battles with the Dark Legion before. He might abandon this whole sector instead of facing that band of traitors."

"That would leave our recruiting worlds to the enemy." said Twilight.

"Precisely." said Pegalos, "You must stop these raids before that happens. Pegalos out."

The transmission ended, and Rainbow Dash was still not pleased with what was happening.

"Philosophies is a hero of the Chapter." She said. "Why keep us from the fight?"

"Philosophies has always been a political one." said Hoovitus. "If the Chapter Master wants the Blood Phoenixes off Dolmaska, Philosophies will not question him."

"Cap'n Philosophies does his duty," Applejack stated, "as should we if such an order comes."

"Enough." Pinkie said bluntly, "The enemy is kidnapping our initiates and laying traps for us across the sector, and we should do nothing? It is not my duty to follow the edicts of fools."

After the discussion, Applejack stepped up with suspicion on her mind.

"Skarsend has yet to show himself again." She pointed out. "He must be planning something. That heretic is too dangerous by half."

Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow. "I thought he died during the Cronus Campaign." She said.

"As did I..." said Nule. "I saw him... torn to ribbons."

"How does he yet live?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Souls are both playthings and currency in the Warp." Twilight explained. "Skarsend may have died in the flesh, only to have his soul bartered among daemons. It seems they restored his body when it suited them."

"Most likely his death was a deception," said Pinkie, "a mask for his escape from Cronus."

"There was... no deception." said Goliath.

"In either case, it speaks of Skarsend's power." said Twilight. "Applejack is correct to worry."

An emergency coming from Salika came to the Retribution, and the Strike Cruiser headed to the planet immediately. When they arrived, they discovered more animal warmongering on the surface. Captain Pegalos came onscreen.

"The Eldeer have reappeared, Commander Hammerheart." said Pegalos. "They have congregated at the site of our climactic battle against the Paranids. The Dark Legion must take priority, but ignoring the Eldeer is unwise. At your discretion, pursue and eliminate these xenos."

"What do we know about the Eldeer forces?" Hammerheart asked.

"Very little." said Pegalos, "The Paranids' destruction of the land exposed ancient Eldeer ruins, however. This may be what has drawn them here in such numbers. You can expect to face xenos skimmer tanks and walkers, as well as powerful infantry."

"Has the area changed since the battle with the Paranids?" Hammerheart asked.

"The area remains a wasteland," said Pegalos, "but there have been some changes. Most notably, the Blood Phoenixes erected a monument to those siblings who died fighting the Paranids. It stands over the spot where Sergeant Antares was entombed with his wargear. Also, an Equestrial Shrine now stands on the site of our battle with the Hive Alpha. Purging that temple of xenos infestation would be a laudable act, Commander."

The transmission ended, and Applejack stepped up with a need crystal clear in her eyes.

"Even with the Traitor Legions assailing us, we must oppose the Eldeer." She said. "Remember that they manipulated the Hogs on Dolmaska and attempted to destroy all of Galantius. I owe their species a debt of blood and fury, Commander Hammerheart."

Hammerheart knew Applejack wanted to avenge those who were murdered because of the Eldeers' blasphemous actions, so he nodded to her coming.

A Sibling's Return

On the grounds of the Paranid Graveyard, the monument of Sergeant Antares stood tall and proud with four Blood Phoenix banners on each corner. Hammerheart's drop pod touched down a fair distance from the tomb, and he and the other Pony Marines emerged and could smell the stench of the dead animal corpses and once-living structures.

"I never thought we would return here." said Rainbow Dash. "Smells worse than the Galantius slum."

"Rotting Paranid smells like glory to me." said Hoovitus.

"Focus on the task at hoof." said Applejack. "Xenos still pollute this place."

They headed out to eliminate the Eldeer forces, and soon found a large squad. They went in to engage, and the Eldeer struck back. Hammerheart shot and struck at the animals, Applejack, Pinkie, and Hoovitus shot them to oblivion, and Rainbow Dash took to the sky and slammed into their numbers. When the Eldeer strike force was defeated they moved out.

"Guardponies are calling this place 'Michael's Miracle'." said Rainbow Dash.

"Credit belongs to the Empress." said Applejack. "Cap'n Pegalos would be the first to say so."

They eventually arrived at the monument, and it was already being defiled by the Eldeers' presence. They went in and killed off the animals.

"There is the tomb of Sibling Antares." said Applejack. "Exercise caution, less we destroy it in battle."

As soon as they were set up for defense, the Eldeer began their retaliation, and brought with them destructive firepower. They began to fire explosive magic missiles that were very damaging to both the Pony Marines and the monument. The Blood Phoenixes gave them their all, but despite their defensive efforts, the Eldeers' weapons of destruction caused the statue to succumb to its damage.

"The tomb is destroyed!" said Applejack in disappointment as they killed the last of the Eldeer attackers. "We must atone for this."

They headed down the stairs and found more Eldeer forces.

"Armored units ahead." said Pinkie. "We should flank them."

"Or we could crush them in a direct assault." said Hoovitus as he aimed his heavy bolter and fired.

Rainbow Dash took to the sky and slammed into the Eldeer, crushing a few of them under her hooves and sending others flying. Applejack shot the remaining xenos in quick succession, and they continued on. They found a Warlock as they reached their next position, and Applejack was not pleased with him at all.

"You should have slipped away when you had the chance, Eldeer." She said.

"The remains of a Woodworld still lay among these benighted worlds." The Warlock stated. "We will not leave while the souls of the lost lie scattered on the wind, and until Prancayla's vision is fulfilled at last."

"Your witch's vision died with her on Galantius." Applejack stated.

"Spare me your primitive obstinance, pony." The Warlock said angrily as he began to cast a spell.

"Brace for magic blast!" said Pinkie.

The Warlock was beginning to burn with daemonic flames, which could only mean one thing.

"Warp fire!" Applejack yelled. "Clear the area!"

All the Blood Phoenixes stepped away from the burning Eldeer as the animal's transformation began, and he grew in size into none other than an Avatar of Khaine.

"Holy Equestria!" said Hoovitus as he stared at the colossus.

"Your efforts are futile, ponies!" The Warlock/Avatar said to them through some form of telepathy. "The Avatar, the bloody hoof of Khaine shall tear you asunder!"

The Avatar began to conjure a spell, and Pinkie knew what was coming.

"It summons Warp fire!" She said.

The Pony Marines cleared their position, and flames bursted where they stood. Hammerheart, Rainbow Dash, and the Pegasus Marines went in to attack, while Pinkie, Applejack, Hoovitus, and the other Pony Marines unleashed Equestrial fury upon the damned manifestation of an animal god. The Avatar killed Pegasus Marines with its blazing sword and burned Pony Marines with its daemon fire. After minutes of combat, the Avatar thrusted it sword at Hammerheart, but the Commander stepped back, and the titan's blade got stuck in the ground. Hammerheart swung his Thunder Hammer at the daemon's front legs, bringing it to its knees. The Avatar then tried to impale the Commander with its deadly antlers, but a hammer hit to the lower jaw delivered the killing blow.

"Yes!" Hoovitus shouted as the Avatar's flames died out, "Die xenos filth!" The colossus turned to stone and crumbled to the ground. "Battles like this are good for the soul."

"What little is left of it." said Twilight.

"Hoovitus," Applejack addressed, "do not mistake blood-lust for righteous fury. That way lies damnation."

They returned to the Retribution, and Captain Pegalos called their ship again, this time with news that would surprise everyone.

"We have an urgent message from Salika." said Pegalos. "It comes from TechDrake Spike. We thought him lost in the Paranid war, but he survived. He needs your help, Commander Hammerheart."

"Play the message from Spike." said Hammerheart.

Pegalos played the message. "TechDrake Spike to any Blood Phoenixes capable of receiving." Spike's voice said softly. "I am transmitting from the Astronomic Array station in the Salika Highlands. Hog Bandits have been a recurring threat since my arrival. However, at dawn this day, I detected a graver threat: Discord Pony Marines. I fear they want the array for themselves. I risk damaging the array by sending this message, but I require support-- Ares and Equestria! Power levels are drop--"

The message was cut. Indeed Spike was in real grave danger.

Battle for the Array

At the array on the planet's surface, Spike was doing everything he could to hold back the forces of Discord that assaulted him. Cultists were trying to defeat him with great numbers, but Spike's bolter rounds kept their numbers in check. A call came to him from the Blood Phoenixes.

"Spike? Are you receiving?" said Applejack.

"Sergeant Applejack?" Spike exclaimed. "Thank the Celestial One! I am defending the array, but the Traitor Legions are here!"

Applejack called the Strike Cruiser. "Retribution, prepare to provide close support." She said.

Hammerheart and the Pony Marines headed out to save Spike. It didn't take long for them to reach him, but danger had already came to him as he fought against lesser daemons of Khorne.

"Away from me, fiend!" Spike yelled. "Get- Augh!" The daemon slashed him with its flaming sword and brought him to the ground.

"Spike!" Rainbow Dash yelled, "We must revive him!"

The daemons and Discord Pony Marines turned their attentions to Hammerheart and the others. The daemons lunged at Hammerheart, but his Thunder Hammer dispatched them easily. The Discord Marines opened fire, but were soon gunned down by the rest of the Blood Phoenixes. Hammerheart rushed up and gave Spike quick medical revival treatment.

The fallen TechDrake got back to his feet. "My thanks, Commander Hammerheart." Spike said nearly out of breath. "I am glad to see you again."

"We had thought you lost when your Lightningeagle went down, Spike." said Applejack. "How did you survive?"

"A story for another time, Applejack." Spike said, getting back to the mission at hoof. "The heretics will surely try for the array again any moment."

"We cannot stay here defending this relic for eternity, TechDrake." said Hoovitus.

"Indeed." said Spike, "But we cannot leave the valuable data in its cogitator for the enemy to take." He brought his left hand to his comm link. "Strike Cruiser, this is TechDrake Spike." He said. "Deploy power generators to the following coordinates." He laid out the positions for the generators to land, and after finishing, more Discord Cultists came after them. Hammerheart and the Pony Marines unleashed a barrage of fury, dwindling their numbers next to nothing. Then four generators landed in their designated locations.

"Good." said Spike, "Now that the array is powered, I can initiate a cognition transfer rite to secure the records. Just keep the enemy from destroying those generators."

And so began the long wait for the data to be downloaded to the ship, but the bandits that Spike mentioned in his distress call came into view.

"Oy! Poniez! Dis place belongs to da Hogs!" A Hog shouted.

"Pigskin Bandits." said Spike.

"A fight on two fronts, then." said Hoovitus.

The Pony Marines did away with the small Hog party, and Pinkie noticed something that could help them in the long run.

"Commander Hammerheart, the Hogs are using a gate to access the complex." She said. "We should seal it."

"The Pigskins will just go around, Pinkie." said Hoovitus.

"Exactly, directly into the Traitor Pony Marines." said Pinkie.

Hammerheart went to activate the gate switch just as more Hog Bandits came in. The mechanism began to hum, and the gate rose from the ground, blocking the Hogs' way.

"Garh! The ponies done closed da gate!" one of the Hogs complained.

"Den go around da udder way, ya gitz!" another Hog said impatiently. "And kill every ponie ya see!"

The Hogs turned and headed towards the other entrance, little did they know that they would run into Discord forces on their way there.

Meanwhile, one of the Firagun Turrets that Spike deployed was shooting at incoming cultists and Discord Marines. Hammerheart and the others went over to fend them off. They shot at the heretics with their righteous fury.

Spike approached Hammerheart with some information. "Commander, I have gathered several valuable relics from the wreckage of my Lightningeagle." He said. "They are in a storage area a short distance away. If possible, we should recover these items before they are looted by the Hogs."

Hammerheart went alone while the others defended the array and generators. When he found the storage area, Hogs were already trying to break in, but Hammerheart shot at them and caught their attention. The Hogs took up their axes and went after him, but were pitifully overpowered by Hammerheart's Termineightor Armor and weapons. He retrieved every single relic inside and headed back to the array.

When he returned, Spike approached him again with more information.

"Commander, I have diverted some power to the array's capacitor nave." He said. "Discharging it will slow the enemy, but severely damage the array. Using this pulse could mean losing the array for good."

Hammerheart weighed his options, but would have to reconsider as more Discord Marines and daemons appeared. The Blood Phoenixes fought back with all their might and skill. Hammerheart dealt with the daemons while the others picked off the Traitor Marines.

Meanwhile, the Hogs were also trying to kill off the heretics, but one foul Discord Marine came into play.

"Anudder ponie ta kill." one of the Hogs said. He snorted the air, and the scent was stomach-turning. "Smells ripe, he does!" The Hogs were killed by a Discord Marine that was surrounded by a super strong stench and swarmed with flies.

The forces of Discord returned to make a final large assault upon the Pony Marines. Hammerheart and his strike team opened fire at the huge squad. A majority of the Discord Marines were engulfed in a thick, nasty fog.

"Avoid those foul plague clouds!" A Pony Marine yelled.

The Blood Phoenixes managed to eliminate the entire army in an hour, leaving only a Plague Champion standing as he was their leader in this assault. The Pony Marines kept their distance from the disease-ridden heretic as they unleashed Equestrial fury upon his foul existence. After minutes of shooting away at the traitor, the Plague Champion dropped dead.

Hoovitus scrunched his face in disgust from the putrid odor. "Bah. Not even the deepest Paranid hive was as foul as that scum." He said.

"Indeed, Hoovitus." said Spike. "Commander Hammerheart, cogitator recovery is complete. We can safely leave this place."

"Now you can tell us the story of your survival, Spike." Applejack said, wanting to really know how he lived.

The Harbinger of Damnation

Back aboard the Retribution, TechDrake Spike was informed of everything that happened during his absence, and approached Hammerheart to thank him some more for saving his hide.

"Thank you for your timely intervention, Commander Hammerheart." said Spike. "I will initiate the repair rites for the items you have recovered. In particular, I shall restore our Termineightor Armor. Also, I have been receiving the data we recovered from the astronomic Array. I believe the ancient space hulk designated 'Harbinger of Damnation' is about to appear in this sector. It may allow us to identify our traitor. Should you require more information, I am at your disposal."

Hammerheart raised an eyebrow, and was curious as to what this "Harbinger of Damnation" was.

"The Harbinger of Damnation has a conglomeration of ancient vessels which have become adrift in space and time." Spike explained. "It travels at random, spending decades or even centuries in the Warp."

"If I may," Twilight interjected, "its travels are not entirely random. Only the Empress can know what horrific planes the Harbinger of Damnation has visited. But its recorded appearances have all been in this sector or in one of its neighbors."

"Yes," Spike agreed, "and because of that, the Astronomic Array had a detailed record of past appearances. A distinctive pattern of Warp anomalies preceded each appearance."

"And that pattern is occurring again?" Twilight asked.

"Precisely." said Spike.

"How does any of this blather help identify the traitor?" Hoovitus asked with sub-subtle impatience.

"The Machine Magic aboard the Retribution is not sufficient to remove the masking on the message you recovered." said Spike. "But there are references to a far more ancient and wiser logic engine aboard the Harbinger of Damnation. With it, I can identify the heretic."

Hoovitus walked up to Spike, curious about his survival on the feral world of Salika.

"Just how did you survive, Spike?" He asked.

"Yes. A good question." said Pinkie as the other Sergeants and Twilight approached him, wanting to hear his story of survival.

"As you may recall, I was in a Lightningeagle during the climactic battle with the Paranids." said Spike.

"I also recall it being blown from the sky." Hoovitus mentioned.

"A Lightningeagle is a resilient craft." Spike continued. "Instead of destroying us outright, the Paranid attack sent us into a desperate dive into the jungle. My sibling pilot used all his experience to guide us into the highlands, where the infestation was less severe." Spike's tone grew more sad as he mentioned the pilot. "He did not survive the crash landing. I was left alone. No transmitters survived and my own cybernetic enhancements were severely damaged. It took me months to successfully enact the repair rites to regain my mobility. I spent the rest of the past year battling my way through to the Astronomic Array."

"Your perseverance does the Chapter proud, Spike." Applejack complimented.

"Perhaps," said Spike, "but I am glad to be in the confinements of a mighty Strike Cruiser once more."

The Retribution headed off to the location where the Harbinger of Damnation would next appear. When they arrived to the spot, the space hulk had not yet come.

"Your cursed ship is hiding, TechDrake." Hoovitus said, still lacking patience.

"Hold your tongue, Hoovitus." Applejack said. "And open your eyes."

A hole was forming in space, slowly growing bigger before a massive ship appeared within a flash of light and darkness.

"The Harbinger of Damnation." Spike said grimly.

The Space Hulk was falling apart piece by little piece, but still held together. Its entire bulk was covered in what looked like asteroids and other ships. It even appeared to be entangled with flesh-like growths from the Warp itself. But its outside could only slightly tell what hellish horrors lurked within. That the hulk traveled through the Warp could only mean that the plane's foulest monsters have made their nests inside.

The Pony Marines looked at the ancient ship, and needed to be ready for a perilous mission into the damned hulk.

Keys to the Past

Pinkie approached Hammerheart with some important information about the recording they found on Arctika.

"Commander Hammerheart," She said, "I have uncovered another transmission from the traitor. We should review it before launching another mission."

Hammerheart asked Pinkie what she found.

"Like Spike, I have been trying to identify the traitor using our shipboard cogitators." She said.

"Have you made any progress?" Applejack asked.

"... Of a sort." Pinkie said, "This message was in our own transmission tomes."

Pinkie played the newest portion of the recording, and it was still distorted. *Pegalos has us charging around the sector on the Retribution.* the warped voice said. *They know about me, or at least that I exist. Only the vox cloak invocator had masked my identity thus far.*

The message stopped there, and Pinkie brought up a realization about the anonymous voice.

"The traitor is here, aboard the Retribution." She said. "It is one of us."

Hammerheart located the Access Point on the space hulk and brought focus upon the area.

"We need to reactivate the ancient logic engine aboard the Harbinger of Damnation." said Spike. "To recover the proper activation rites, you must locate the dataslates hidden in the surrounding decks. Because you will be operating deep within the space hulk, the Retribution can only offer very limited support. Wings will be useless in the confined space, although teleportation magic should work."

"How do we know the logic engine has not been destroyed?" Hammerheart asked.

"The logic engine is secured in a sealed vault." said Spike. "Only the engine's activation rites will open the vault and grant us access."

Hammerheart looked to Twilight with a sort of rhetorical question. "What dangers do we face?"

"Xenos and daemons infest the Harbinger of Damnation, Commander." said Twilight. "But the lingering Warp energies in the ship pose a far graver danger. With prolonged exposure, such energies could drive even the bravest Pony Marine to madness. The boarding party should return to the Retribution as soon as it can."

Conspiracy of Evil

Inside the Harbinger of Damnation, feral Paranids were skittering about the dark hallways. Their screeches and roars echoed throughout the interior. Hammerheart, Goliath, Twilight, the Sergeants, and a restored squad of Termineightors had managed to breach the hulk and were inside the massive ship.

"Commander Hammerheart, you must locate ancient dataslates to access the vault." Spike said from the Retribution. "They should be in data racks of some sort."

"We have no time to waste." said Twilight. "The foul resonance of the Warp is already palpable."

The Pony Marines began their perilous trek through the corridors of the hulk. So far, no signs of animal or daemon life anywhere. But when they came to a four-way intersection, they found the dead body of a Pony Marine, and Applejack recognized him.

"A fallen sibling!" She said. "Napoleon of the Fifth Company."

Twilight spotted something of importance. "Look! An Apothecary's reductor vial, still intact." She said. "It contains Napoleon's progenoid glands; the Chapter's holy gene-seed."

Hammerheart picked up the vial, and Pinkie furrowed her eyebrows in suspicion.

"If an Apothecary collected it, why leave it here?" She asked.

"A fair question," said Applejack, "but we cannot overlook the opportunity to recover Blood Phoenixes gene-stock. Be vigilant for other vials, or signs of an Apothecary."

Spike contacted Hammerheart with some rather confusing information.

"Commander Hammerheart, the rolls indicate Napoleon still serves -- in the Chapter Royal Guard."

"How can that be..." Applejack asked herself.

They continued their search for the dataslates, as well as more geneseeds that were abandoned. But when they progressed deeper in, Paranids leaped from their hiding places and ambushed them. The Pony Marines manages to fend off the small pack, but they were just a warm-up.

"Are these Paranids feral?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Only without a leader creature nearby." said Pinkie. "Remember: when connected to their synapse web, all Paranids become deadlier."

They headed off and were ever alert for any more Paranids that could strike at any moment. When they came to a turn, a Hive Alpha bursted through some pipes and attacked. Hammerheart struck at the creature with great vigorous strength while the others shot their guns. The beast dropped dead from its wounds.

"We had best exercise caution." Pinkie advised. "Paranids aboard these derelicts can evolve to suit their environment."

"Yes, I sense powerful magic echoes," said Twilight, "even against the Warp energies."

They moved on through the ever darkening halls, but soon came to a turn where another Pony Marine lay dead on the floor.

"Another fallen sibling," said Applejack, recognizing the Marine, "Veteran Silicon, also of the Fifth Company."

"And another reductor vial." Twilight said, pointing to the geneseed that was still in possession of the corpse.

"Spike, what do the rolls say about Sibling Silicon?" Applejack asked.

"Killed in the Pandora campaign." said Spike.

Pinkie widened her eyes, but still kept a serious look. "I was at Pandora." She stated. "I recall no Silicon."

"Commander Hammerheart, both Napoleon and Silicon served in an expedition aboard the Harbinger of Damnation." said Spike. "I shall try to uncover more about this expedition."

Pinkie looked up to see a large pack of Paranids skittering along the highrises of the hall.

"Xenos in the gantries!" She warned. "Get ready!"

The Paranids leaped from up high and began their nasty attack, but the Blood Phoenixes showed more power in their preparation for such a predictable move. When the swarm was dealt with, they moved on. During their search, the Pony Marines had managed to find many dataslates, and Hammerheart had just picked up the last one needed.

"You have enough dataslates, Commander Hammerheart." said Spike. "I shall begin the activation rites."

Twilight felt a sudden surge in the rift and gasped. "The Warp is making itself felt, Commander Hammerheart." She said. "We must hurry."

They came to an intersection, and another swarm of Paranids attacked.

"Kill them all!" Hoovitus shouted. "Let there be blood!" He unleashed his barrage upon the animals, tearing them to pieces and splattering their blood all over the floor and walls.

They were getting close to their objective, but after twenty minutes of trotting through the damned ship they felt a slight pain upon their very bodies and souls.

"Commander Hammerheart, the window of safe operation is now past." said Spike. "You must ignore the Warp's effects and continue. Recover that logic engine."

They kept trotting, and soon found yet another dead Pony Marine.

"Another fallen sibling." said Applejack. "And another gene-seed."

"Sergeant Sharpend. Fifth Company." said Pinkie.

"Another member of the same expedition." said Spike. "The records list... Apothecary Boldo as the leader."

"Which explains the reductor vials." said Applejack.

"But not why they were left behind." said Pinkie.

Hammerheart collected the last geneseed vial, and a burden felt like it was lifted off their backs.

"The Chapter... shall not forget... your deeds this day." said Goliath.

They entered a large opening, but found a dead end.

"Another door blocks our way!" Hoovitus said angrily.

"There is a dataslate on the door." said Pinkie. "Xenos detected!"

A large Hive Alpha and other Paranids leaped out of nowhere and slammed onto the floor. The Blood Phoenixes stood between it and the vault.

"Eliminate them!" said Spike. "The logic engine must not be damaged!"

Hammerheart and Rainbow Dash engaged the giant beast. Hoovitus took his stance and unleashed more heavy bolter rounds. Applejack pumped plasma rounds at the monster. Pinkie sniped the beast. Twilight fired beams of deadly magic. It took awhile, but the Alpha soon fell to its knees and dropped dead to the floor.

"The foul thing is dead." said Twilight. "Let us get to the Logic Engine."

They entered the vault and found the device, but Hammerheart found a recording within the chamber as well. He played it, and a voice dread with despair came out.

"This is Boldo." it said, "I no longer know how long I have been on this forsaken derelict. So many siblings dead... and the voice of Nettor cackles from every shadow..." The recording grew darker as it continued playing. "It is hungry... it wants the holy gene-seed in each of us... I must hide the reductor vials... even the daemon cannot know the entire space hulk..."

"Commander Hammerheart..." said Spike, "That was some sort of vox recording from centuries ago."

The feral Paranids were moving around and about the halls of the ship, festering with some kind of sickness.

"I will analyze it as best I can." said Spike.

Relics of Space

The Blood Phoenixes returned to the Retribution, and Hoovitus was still unhappy about wandering around the space hulk.

"Your prize had better be worth sending us into that foul place, TechDrake." He said.

"Recovering gene-seed alone... is worth the risk, Hoovitus." said Goliath.

"I will begin analysis of the logic engine right away, Commander Hammerheart." said Spike. "We have also received distress signals from across the sector."

A call from Galantius came to the Strike Cruiser, and Hammerheart answered. Governess Fluttershy appeared onscreen.

"Commander Hammerheart, the Brae Tyre Heretics are gaining ground hourly." She said. "Captain Pegalos has sent no Blood Phoenixes to aid Galantius. We need..." She sighed, "I need your help. Please come to Galantius as soon as you can. Fluttershy out."

Spike called Hammerheart again. "The following transmission is repeating on secure Chapter channels:" He said before playing the message.

"Come Blood Phoenixes!" The voice of Aroghent shouted. "Face me in battle if you dare! I am Aroghent of the Dark Legion! I await you on Arctika!"

"The scum is challenging us like an Undercity horse fighter." Rainbow Dash said, confused by the Champion's boastful invitation.

Hoovitus leered. "If he wants a battle, I will give him one." He said.

"This must be a trap." said Applejack.

"Does it matter?" Hoovitus asked.

Hammerheart decided to further investigate the Harbinger of Damnation for more vital items and relics, including finding the geneseeds hidden by Boldo. He focused upon another access point.

"We have located the store of reductor vials left aboard the Harbinger of Damnation." said Spike. "Recovering additional Blood Phoenixes genetic material would be a great service to the Chapter. Daemons and xenos of all sorts infest this vessel, however, and it still resonates with Warp energies. Returning to the Harbinger of Damnation is entirely at your discretion, Commander Hammerheart."

"What of the dangers from Warp energies?" Hammerheart asked.

"You will automatically teleport back to the Retribution after a fixed amount of time." said Spike. "This should prevent you from becoming trapped and limits exposure to the maddening effects of the Warp."

Goliath appeared onscreen after Spike. "We cannot forgo an opportunity... to recover Blood Phoenix gene-seed." He said. "This could allow... the Chapter to grow strong again."

"With respect to Captain Nule, this space hulk looks like a deathtrap." said Pinkie. "Surely all the Blood Phoenixes who died there also thought they could secure the Chapter's future."

Twilight approached Hammerheart with a prideful need. "Commander, I have a request." She said. "Every Unicorn swears to protect the relics and histories of the Chapter. Leaving this vessel unexplored feels like a violation of that oath. I would ask to join you on this mission."

Hammerheart nodded, completely understanding the Unicorn's wish to keep her word to her duty.

Capital Defense

The Pony Marines entered the ship through the access point, and their second perilous mission begun.

"Every second aboard this accursed derelict puts us at risk." said Twilight. "We must recover the geneseeds quickly."

They trotted deep into the halls of the hulk, checking every nook and cranny for beasts and monsters. By pure luck, they found the first geneseed at the end of the hallway. They turned the corner and progressed on. Paranids jumped out of hiding and attacked, but were quickly dealt with by Equestrial firepower. By sheer coincidence, one of the Paranids dropped a geneseed. Hammerheart picked it up and they moved on.

They came up to a four-way intersection. Applejack and Hoovitus went right, Rainbow dash and Pinkie went left, and Hammerheart, Twilight, and Goliath went forward. The three separate squads encountered more Paranids. Applejack blasted Plasma and Hoovitus fired bolter bullets. Rainbow Dash slashed and shot while Pinkie carefully sniped.

Hammerheart's squad encountered Warrior Beasts along with lesser Paranids. The Commander slammed his Thunder Hammer into their hides. Twilight obliterated them with her magic. Nule smashed them to pieces. When the swarms were dead, the squads kept going until they met up with each other at another four-way point. Their was another geneseed laying on the floor, and Hammerheart picked it up.

They grouped back up and traveled down the hall. When they reached the very end, two Hive Alphas awoke from their slumber, roared, and attacked. The Blood Phoenixes unleashed righteous fury upon the animals, and in minutes the Alphas were dead. One of the Paranids dropped the last geneseed, and Hammerheart grabbed it.

"We have the gene-seed samples, Commander." said Applejack. "This deed will make our Chapter stronger."

With their mission complete, Twilight used her Magic power to teleport them back aboard the Retribution. Thankfully, the effects of the Warp had not gotten to any of them.

"These gene-seeds will... ensure the future... of our Chapter." said Goliath. "Well done... Commander Hammerheart."

No longer needing to linger near the damned hulk, the Retribution made its way back to Galantius to help Governess Fluttershy against the Brae Tyre traitors. But Captain Nule appeared onscreen with some important information regarding the turncoat.

"Commander Hammerheart." said Goliath, "I have discovered another transmission... from the traitor... in our ranks. The master of scribes... found this message. He came to me. He did not know whom else to trust."

The message was played for Hammerheart and the others to hear, as distorted as ever. *You must get Philosophies to put a leash on Pegalos.* it said. *He still has us chasing them, and that is putting me at great risk. I am not the only one who will be discovered if it comes to that, do you understand me, Boldo? 'Knowledge is power', as you are all so fond of saying.*

"This was... sent to Dolmaska... and the Royal Guard." said Nule. "Corruption worms its way... into the Chapter's heart. You must stand against this."

Spike appeared onscreen after Goliath. "Commander, we have received a priority signal from the Chapter Royal Guard." He said.

Hammerheart brought up the message sent from the Royal Guard, and it was Philosophies who spoke.

"This is Captain Philosophies." He said. "All Blood Phoenixes are to cease crusade, recruitment and other operations within the Arctikan Sector. Return to your muster points and prepare for mobilization to the Revan Rift Crusade. Knowledge is power. Guard it well."

Rainbow Dash gave a look of stupefaction. "He abandons the sector so easily." She said. "How can we follow such a steed?"

"We are receiving another priority signal, from Captain Pegalos." said Spike.

Pegalos appeared onscreen. "Commander Hammerheart, we must not abandon this sector to the Traitor Legions." He said. "I am headed to Dolmaska to discuss the matter with Philosophies. Continue to oppose the Dark Legion. Pegalos out."

"Michael is correct." said Nule. "We must continue. We must... find the traitor... in our ranks."

For now, though, Galantius needed aid. Hammerheart contacted the Governess, who immediately appeared onscreen.

"Commander Hammerheart." said Fluttershy. "Praise Equestria you have come. The Brae Tyre heretics and the Dark Legion are overrunning the Capital Spire itself. We still hold the Equestrium Palace, but they have taken the rest of the spire. I will die before surrendering the palace to these treasonous curs. Without your aid, Blood Phoenixes, I will make good on that pledge before long."

"How did this happen?" Hammerheart asked.

"You have brought us key victories, Commander, but we have been fighting a hundred other battles." said Fluttershy. "The 85th Stabelson and my other loyal troops have all suffered massive casualties. The Dark Legion, however, never seems to run out of mad ponies and daemons to throw at us. Loyal forces are converging on Capital Spire, but they will not be here in time to make a difference."

Indeed, the Pony Marines must help save the palace, and the Governess from certain destruction.

Lifting of the Siege

Guardponies were shooting at, and being shot by Discord forces and traitorous Guardponies. Off to the side of the battlefield, a drop pod landed on a closed ground door. Out came Hammerheart and the others, and they made their way to the fight.

Fluttershy activated the intercom. "Attention: This is Planetary Governess Fluttershy." She announced. "The Blood Phoenixes are here! The Empress's Holy Celestial Warriors fight with us! Drive the traitors from the palace gates!"

The Pony Marines opened fire upon the heretics, tearing them to pieces with great ease. The Equestrial Guardponies, now with bolstered morale, continued to fight back against the heathens. The defensive battle seemed to have lasted for hours, but soon the heretical forces were being driven back by sheer willpower and firepower.

"The palace is safe thanks to your Blood Phoenixes, Commander Hammerheart." said Fluttershy.

"The Dark Legion will not give up so easily, Governess." said Applejack. "Prepare for a counter-attack."

"Commander Hammerheart, I have several Firagun Turrets ready to deploy." said Spike.

Hammerheart had Spike place turrets between openings in the Guard's three defensive firing line walls, and a few more placed near the entrance of the palace.

After a minute of waiting, the Discord forces returned. The Blood Phoenixes, their turrets, and the Equestrial Guard fought back with determination. The forces of Discord were also determined; to overthrow the Equestrium on Galantius.

Fluttershy contacted Hammerheart with information about the situation.

"The enemy still holds the Communications Array and Equestrial Shrine below the plaza, however." She said. "A quick strike could retake them, Commander."

Hammerheart had the Sergeants hold the palace while he, Hoovitus, Twilight, and Goliath went to take back the two key points. They made haste to the shrine first, shooting and crushing any traitor that stood before them. They reached the shrine, and killed off the Discord Marines that guarded the shrine.

"None shall take this place... while I remain." said Nule, insisting to stay and protect the shrine. "Assist the Governess... she is a worthy ally."

Twilight used her magic powers to teleport herself, Hammerheart, and Hoovitus first onto the bridge, then at the Communications Array. They slew the Discord Marines guarding the tower, and retook it.

"My initiates and I will keep this area secure." said Hoovitus as his Devastator squad garrisoned the array. "Your firepower is needed elsewhere."

When everything was set, Twilight teleported herself and Hammerheart back onto the bridge, and they rushed back to the palace in time to destroy more heretics.

Soon the traitors were dwindling in size, but that could only mean an army was coming.

"The enemy has massed for a counter-attack on the palace." said Fluttershy. "Stand with the Empress and drive them back!"

"Commander Hammerheart." Spike called. "The palace will not hold without your aid."

Soon the prepared army of Discord came charging at them. The turrets opened fire upon their numbers before the Pony Marines and Equestrial Guardponies did. The Discord forces brought with them heavy firepower and daemons to overwhelm the defense. Hammerheart dealt with the daemons, for they thrived in close-combat, and he was more than obliged to give it to them. Twilight, Applejack, and Hoovitus blasted the enemy to smithereens with all their combined might. Rainbow Dash and the Pegasus Marines took to the sky and slammed into the heretics' ranks, crushing and grinding their bodies to pulp. It took what seemed like years, but the forces of Discord were defeated in this battle.

"Thank you, Blood Phoenixes." said Fluttershy. "Once again you have saved Galantius."

Aroghent the Plunderer

On the grounds of the Taros Iceworks, explosions of the Warp erupted every second that passed. Far off, a drop pod touched down, and Hammerheart and the Blood Phoenixes came out.

"Ah! You finally show your faces." Aroghent said, still mocking them through their channel. "Have you mastered your fear at last?"

"We know no fear!" said Applejack.

The Pony Marines went out in search for the boastful heretic. The Iceworks were succumbing to damage from previous dimensional rifts of the Warp, but still seemed stable for now.

"You Blood Phoenixes are clearly 'fearless' in your hurry to leave the sector." Aroghent yelled. "The courage with which you show us your hind quarters does your Empress proud."

"Turncoat scum!" said Hoovitus. "I will kill you here and now!"

The Pony Marines marched up a flight of stairs and reached a giant ventilator system that still functioned despite countless years of neglect.

"Very impressive." Aroghent sarcasm was clear as he approached them from the other side. "You have more steel than the rest of your Chapter." He stopped dead center over the big vent. "Rejoice, siblings. Your slavery to the False Empress ends today."

Applejack leered. "The only thing ending today is your worthless life." She said.

"Yes! And to the void with orders and niceties!" said Aroghent. "But not quite yet, little Blood Phoenixes. First a test. Make your way to my chosen battleground." Aroghent conjured a Warp shield as the Pony Marines opened fire at him. "Skarsend! Open the portal!"

"Yes, Lord." said Skarsend.

Within a flash, Aroghent was gone, teleported to the place he wished to fight the Blood Phoenixes.

Meanwhile, the Pony Marines had to search for Aroghent again, pushing through Discord war bands that stood in their way.

"Marvelous!" Aroghent shouted, implying the Blood Phoenixes reached him. "I will remember you fondly when I burn your worlds to ash!"

Hammerheart, Goliath, and Rainbow Dash went in to engage in melee. Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie, and Hoovitus fired away at the heretic. Aroghent proved to be a challenging force, even against a Harmonaught like Goliath. He could take some serious hit, yet he still held his own. But just because he was strong doesn't mean he was invulnerable.

"Glorious!" Aroghent yelled, "Lord Khorne smiles on us, Blood Phoenixes! Do you have the will to pass this final test?" He stepped back while the Pony Marines continued to shoot. "Skarsend! The next portal."

"Yes, Lord." said Skarsend.

Again, Aroghent disappeared in a bolt of Warp energies and reappeared elsewhere. He began sacrificing cultists to heal himself.

"Coward!!" Hoovitus shouted, "You will not escape!"

The icy cliffs nearby where the Pony Marines were began to crumble and fall apart. A large piece of the ledge managed to jam itself between the cliff it was a part of and the ground beneath.

"Commander, look! A way forward." Pinkie said, pointing to the makeshift ice bridge. "We can finish this yet."

They headed to the bridge, but more cultists blocked their path. Applejack threw a grenade that exploded and sent them flying off the cliff. They moved on, and Applejack spotted something in the distance.

"There is a shrine ahead." She said. "It is sure to be well defended, but securing it would aid us greatly."

They approached the shrine and attacked the Discord Marines garrisoned inside. The heretics fought back, but were overwhelmed by the Blood Phoenixes' strength in numbers.

"Yes! Fight on for the Blood God!" Aroghent shouted.

More Discord war parties came in, and they were just as quickly killed by the Pony Marines. The ice and snow grew redder and redder with every Pony Marine, Celestial and Discord, that fell.

"Observe, Blood Phoenixes!" said Aroghent. "Khorne thanks you for your offerings!"

After securing the shrine, they galloped Empress's speed and found Aroghent once again, fully healed and still standing tall and proud of himself.

"Your running is over, traitor." said Hoovitus. "Now you die."

"Fearsome words, Blood Phoenix." Aroghent said, mocking the Sergeant. "Now show me deeds."

The Pony Marines went in and attacked. Aroghent was still as formidable as before, if not more. Hammerheart swung his Thunder Hammer and slammed the Plunderer with great strength, Rainbow Dash slashed at his armored body with her Power Sword, and Goliath pounded him with his Grappling Limb. From a distance, Twilight blasted him with deadly magic spells, Applejack pumped plasma rounds at him, Pinkie sniped him in all the weak spots of Discord Marine armor, and Hoovitus unleashed hell with his Heavy Bolter.

But Aroghent was still standing, still boasting like the braggart Hammerheart called him. For every grievous wound that he received, a cultist exploded in a bloody mess, and his injuries healed. "See?! Hear is the power you are denied!" He proclaimed. "Who sacrifices for you, Blood Phoenixes? No one! NO ONE!!"

"He feeds on them." Pinkie hissed. "Kill the heretics to weaken him."

Pinkie and her scouts turned their attention to the cultists and began to pick them off. Soon the cultists were all killed, and Aroghent was left without support. The Pony Marines continued to give him the beating of a lifetime, and he knew he was in danger. He stomped the ground, and a wave of Warp energies sent Pony Marines flying, and disabled Goliath's mobility.

"Skarsend!" Aroghent struggled to speak.

"Yes, my... lord?" said Skarsend.

"Open a portal..." said Aroghent.

Skarsend pondered for a bit before he sinisterly replied with, "No. I think not. A change in leadership is in order." Skarsend then laughed at his former lord, and left him for dead.

"Skarsend!" Aroghent called. "You treasonous dog! No!!"

Hoovitus trotted up to the Plunderer. "No escape this time." He upper-cut Aroghent with his gun and unloaded bullets into him. With the final shot, the boastful Discord Lord dropped dead. The other Pony Marines got back up, and Goliath regained his mobility.

Aroghent the Plunderer has fallen.

Raid on Dolmaska

Back aboard the Retribution, Hammerheart and the Blood Phoenixes were recovering from the battle that satisfied everyone and eased their annoyances.

"A fitting end for a leader of traitors." said Twilight.

"True, but what game is Skarsend playing?" Applejack asked.

"Bah! He is greedy and honorless scum." said Hoovitus. "He saw his chance to gain power and he took it."

Pinkie looked to Hoovitus. "And the prospect of Skarsend with more power somehow reassures you?" She asked.

Spike appeared onscreen. "Commander Hammerheart, another transmission from Captain Philosophies of the Royal Guard. He has declared Michael Pegalos a renegade. And orders our return to Dolmaska. I have also uncovered additional information about Apothecary Boldo and his expedition aboard the Harbinger of Damnation."

Hammerheart wanted to know more about the Apothecary's mission aboard the damned ship.

"The log entry which played when you activated the logic engine aboard the Harbinger of Damnation was only one of the many in the engine's cogitation archives." Spike explained. "Listen to these additional entries:"

Spike played the second part of the recording. "The Empress has granted us a miracle." Boldo's voice said. "Guarding the corpses of the siblings lost aboard this derelict, we have found a survivor. Unicorn Traytus is restored to the Chapter."

"And this entry, sometime later:" said Spike as he played the third part.

"Napoleon fell today," said Boldo's voice, "killed by another daemon of the dark gods... All our exits have sealed and our beacons have failed... we are trapped... Traytus's magic powers have saved us several times already... but how can he defend against the voices I hear in the darkness? How can any of us?"

"The rest of the log is protected by ancient coding rites," said Spike, "and these are strikingly reminiscent of the rites masking our traitor's identity."

Twilight's eyes grew semi-wide. "And this is the same Traytus..."

"... Who is now Chapter Master and Chief Unicorn of the Blood Phoenixes." Spike finished.

"Empress preserve us." said Twilight.

"What happened to Boldo himself?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"He serves with the Chapter Royal Guard." Spike revealed.

There were corrupted Pony Marines serving in the Royal Guard, and no doubt about it that Boldo was most likely the leader of the hidden traitors.

Hammerheart then had Spike play the transmission from Philosophies after that, and the Captain's voice was broadcasted for them to hear.

"Blood Phoenixes, take heed:" Philosophies warned, "For the grievous sins of refusing Chapter orders, spreading heresy, raising arms against his onetime siblings, and stealing relics, arms and artifacts from the Chapter; Michael Pegalos is hereby declared an enemy of the Chapter and sentenced to death. The renegade Pegalos has fled, absconding with the Battle Barge Stampede of Fury. I, Captain Helios Philosophies, issue this declaration with full authority from Benedict Traytus, Chapter Master of the Blood Phoenixes and Keeper of the Librarium. Knowledge is Power. Guard it well."

The transmission ended, and Goliath was outraged about the events that have unfolded before them.

"This is madness." said Nule. "Michael is no traitor. We must... expose the corruption... among the Royal Guard. We must... go to Dolmaska."

The Retribution made the journey to Dolmaska. When they arrived in half a day, Spike appeared onscreen with more information about the logic engine.

"Commander Hammerheart, the Harbinger of Damnation's logic engine confirms our suspicions." said Spike. "The encoding rites used by our traitor and in Boldo's logs both bear a marked resemblance to those of the Chapter Royal Guard. With a copy of their codes, I could finally identify the traitor."

The Royal Guards' base of operations was stationed at Firebase Angus. It was going to be a tricky mission, for the area was well guarded by siblings of higher authority then Hammerheart's siblings.

"Commander Hammerheart, to finally identify the traitor, we must obtain the transmission codes of the Chapter Royal Guard." said Spike. "To do so, you must penetrate the heart of the Blood Phoenixes firebase and destroy the stronghold of Captain Philosophies. This will trigger an automatic signal from his battle barge, from which I can gain the codes we need. Between us and those codes, stand both the Royal Guard and our own siblings from the Third and Fourth Companies."

"What of their defenses?" Hammerheart asked.

"The entire area is patrolled by our Chapter Siblings." said Spike. "They will fire on us without hesitation. Only stealth and non-lethal attacks can prevent bloodshed. Philosophies has established a perimeter of satellite bases. Field generators and Firagun Sentry Guns are standard issue for such temporary positions."

Rainbow Dash stepped up. "We must find a way to reach that stronghold without killing Blood Phoenixes." She said.

"Some Blood Phoenixes have fallen to Discord." Pinkie pointed out.

"Then we fight and kill those!" said Rainbow Dash. "But to murder one who is simply doing their duty to Chapter and Empress?" She lowered her head and sighed. "We could never recover from such an act."

Hammerheart looked to Applejack. "What are the Royal Guard's orders?"

"Cap'n Philosophies adheres to the Chapter's tactical doctrines." said Applejack. "The Codex calls for a tactical feint when a satellite position is destroyed. Nearby forces fall back to a strong firing line, either drawing their attackers into the teeth of bolter-fire or calling in artillery. If we destroy the field generators we can use this to push through the perimeter without killing Blood Phoenixes."

On the subject of fallen Pony Marines, Goliath remembered the one who is still among the Royal Guard.

"The heretic Apothecary Boldo is nearby, Commander Hammerheart." said Nule. "We cannot leave a servant of Discord... in the Royal Guard. We must confront... and expose him. Or his evil... will continue to infect the Chapter."

Pain and Suffering

The grounds of the Firebase was teaming with Blood Phoenix Pony Marines, but fortunately Hammerheart's drop pod didn't grab their attention. Both he and the others emerged from the pod to begin their most disheartening mission yet.

"Remember: proceed cautiously and target the field generators." said Applejack. "We are here to recover data, not kill Blood Phoenixes."

Before they could move from their landing spot, Pinkie went invisible and moved ahead. She found one of the generators and threw in an explosive charge. After five seconds, the generator blew up, and the Royal Guard were quickly informed.

"Fall back to defensive positions!" said one of the marines as they galloped away from the area.

"Now, move forward while the way is clear." Applejack exclaimed.

They made haste and headed of to the next position. When they spotted another field generator and squad of Pony Marines with a Harmonaught, they got behind cover. Pinkie infiltrated again and threw another charge at the generator. It exploded, and the marines and Harmonaught fell back, but then screaming came from the sky above.

"Incoming artillery strike!" said Pinkie. "Clear the target area!"

She and her scouts galloped back to Hammerheart and the others, and artillery shells landed and demolished the spot where they stood. When the bombardment ceased, they continued, but found more Pony Marine squads, and no generator to destroy and make them retreat. They had to figure out a way past them without conflict. The squad ahead left, but one of the Pony Marines remained and spotted Hammerheart's force and opened fire without hesitation. Since they were found, Hammerheart and his siblings had no choice but to retaliate, costing the life of the loyal one doing his duty.

"Empress forgive us for taking our sibling's life." Applejack said in remorse.

Hammerheart collected the marine's geneseed and they moved on, and encountered the squad that left before, still no generator. They spotted Hammerheart's force and attacked, once again forcing them to strike back and kill them.

When the squad was laid to rest, Applejack looked to Hammerheart. "Commander Hammerheart, these killings stain our honor." She said.

Hammerheart was disgusted by what they have done as well, but when your own siblings try to kill you on the spot without any reason, what choice do you have? Hammerheart collected their geneseeds and they moved on. When they reached the entrance to the stronghold, they found the ones they were looking for.

"There he is." said Pinkie.

Apothecary Boldo himself had a Scout Pony Marine pinned under his front-left hoof, and he pressed his Chainsword against his throat and tore him open, spilling his blood in the name of the dark gods.

He looked up to see Hammerheart and his siblings approach. "Hello, siblings." He said. "So glad you have come to see me. I assume you uncovered our mutual friend's mewling message from the Retribution." He shook his head. "A foolish misstep. But that is something of a pattern with the Blood Phoenixes, I suppose." He pointed his weapon at Hammerheart. "Shall I kill you now?"

Hammerheart had the other leaders stay back while he himself dealt with the heretic. He took up his Thunder Hammer and charged. Boldo galloped after him as well, and they collided. Hammerheart swung with all the strength of his skills and abilities. Boldo slashed at him with his chainsword, but Hammerheart's Termineightor Armor protected him from serious wounds. Neither one held back, and both were equally matched. Hammerheart swung his Hammer again, but Boldo blocked his strike and held.

"You fight well." Boldo commented. "But do not fool yourself into thinking I am the only one who has seen the path of Discord." He broke his hold and rolled back. "Let me introduce you to more followers."

On cue, Termineightors appeared in a bolt of Warp energies. Goliath went in to eliminate them, and the other leaders shot them from their positions. The Termineightors were durable opponents, but were not invincible, and they were soon slain.

Hammerheart struck at Boldo, but the heretic blocked the attack. Hammerheart seized the opportunity to grab Boldo, pick him up over himself, throw him to the ground, and slam his hammer into his side. After the finishing blow, Warp particles evaporated from the Apothecary and vanished into thin air. The dying marine looked up at Hammerheart.

"Th-thank you..." He said, struggling to speak, "The daemon has lurked within me for too long... You must warn Philosophies; the siblings of his retinue, they serve Discord as well..."

"And Philosophies himself?" Twilight asked. "Has he fallen?"

"No..." Boldo coughed, "But his pride blinds him..." With that said, the once possessed Apothecary went limp, and life escaped his body.

Hammerheart and his siblings entered the stronghold area. But Philosophies himself flew in, and traitor marines came in as well, along with loyal Blood Phoenixes.

The Royal Guard opened fire upon Hammerheart and the leaders. The Pony Marines retaliated, killing the traitor marines that were hiding amongst the Royal Guard. Philosophies became outraged against their actions and attacked. He flew up into the air and charged to the ground, but Twilight seized him in her magical grip. With Philosophies restrained, Hammerheart called in an Orbital Bombardment, and the stronghold has razed to scrap.

Twilight released the Captain from her grip, and he landed on the ground. "You are traitors to the Chapter. Honorless scum." said Philosophies.

"Open your eyes, Cap'n." Applejack yelled. "We fight to preserve the Chapter. You abandon our worlds to the Dark Legion. You surround yourself with heretics like Boldo."

"Do not lecture me, sergeant!" Philosophies shouted. "I follow the orders of our Chapter Master Traytus. You are the only heretics I see here."

"Have Traytus and Boldo told you of their time on the Harbinger of Damnation, Cap'n?" Applejack asked. "Have they shared stories of the deaths of their siblings? Or the daemonic voice of Nettor that plagued them?"

Philosophies cocked and raised his head slightly at the mention of that name. "Nettor?" He said softly, "Where did you hear that name?"

"From Boldo, Cap'n." said Applejack.

Philosophies turned away. "Go from here..." He said, and Hammerheart and his siblings left the Captain and headed back to the Strike Cruiser.

Make Amends

Back aboard the Retribution, the Pony Marines sighed breaths of sorrow for everything that happened. They had not only killed loyal Blood Phoenixes, but have completely stained themselves with the many ton burden of guilt.

Spike appeared onscreen. "Commander Hammerheart, I have recovered the codes we needed." He said.

"So who is the traitor?" Rainbow Dash asked, wanting to finally solve the mystery.

"The decoding rites to identify him are not yet complete." said Spike. "The codes did allow me to uncover additional data from the Harbinger of Damnation, however. I believe I know where the Dark Legion's true base of operations is hidden on Planet Arctika."

Applejack sighed. "These deaths will weigh heavily on our souls until the end." She said. "There can be no absolution to the murder of our own siblings."

"Perhaps," Pinkie sighed, "but we can still destroy the enemy."

"A victory on Arctika will not wash away the blood on our hooves." said Rainbow Dash.

"No, we cannot erase our sins so easily." said Twilight. "But we must fight on, regardless. If we do not, then we simply compound our crimes. And the deaths of our siblings become pointless."

"Let us make for Arctika, then." said Hoovitus. "Harness whatever guilt burns within you and turn it into rage against the traitors and daemons ahead. And after that, should we live, we will continue to another fight, and another, and another."

"It will be... a crusade of penance." said Goliath.

"Assuming we survive." said Pinkie.

Hammerheart contacted Spike again about the further revealed data from the damned ship.

"The Royal Guard's codes unlocked a great deal from the Harbinger of Damnation's logic engine." said Spike. "This record from Apothecary Boldo seems especially relevant:"

Spike played the final part of the recording. "Unicorn Traytus grows more morose by the hour." said Boldo's voice. "He is a mighty asset against the things lurking in this ancient space hulk, but he does little to keep our faith strong. At Morning Prayers he recounted a great battle on a lost world named Arctika. A terrible daemon beset this planet, and summoned mighty warp storms. Blood Phoenixes faced the daemon in a terrible battle at a Chapter Keep. This should have inspired us all, but Traytus made it a tale of woe. He described his siblings dying one by one to bind this daemon, but called their sacrifice pointless. The fiendish creature, he said, was yet free. And somehow, even before Traytus mentioned it, I knew this creature's name..."

"... Nettor." And the log finished.

"A daemon bound in the keep on Planet Arctika." said Twilight. "Surely Skarsend seeks its release."

"I share your thoughts Unicorn." said Spike. "I can locate the keep's remains if we return to Arctika."

And thus did the Retribution make the journey back to Arctika, to put the Dark Legion in their place once and for all.

The Traitor Revealed

The release of Nettor has caused the icy surface of Arctika to break apart in massive chunks and float into the atmosphere. When the Retribution arrived, Spike contacted Hammerheart and the others with information that they have been waiting for since day one.

"Commander Hammerheart, the ancient logic engine has done its work." said Spike.

He played the message from the traitor, there was still some distortion. *Use them to ambush my battle siblings like you did with the distress signal and our agreement is over!* the voice yelled. *Pegalos has us charging around the sector on the Retribution. You must get Philosophies to put a leash on Pegalos.*

The warped voice became clear. "I am not the only one who will be discovered when it comes to that, do you understand me, Boldo?" said Hoovitus's voice. "Knowledge is power, as you are all so fond of saying."

Rainbow Dash eyes grew wide. "Hoovitus!" She said before furrowing her eyebrows in anger. "Hoovitus betrayed us..."

Pinkie approached Hammerheart. "Commander, Hoovitus is no longer aboard." She said. "He has taken a drop pod and headed for the planet below."

"He seeks to escape us." said Applejack.

"He will not succeed." said Rainbow Dash.

"Commander Hammerheart." said Spike, "There is a recorded message waiting from Hoovitus."

He played the message, and everyone scowled from hearing the traitor's voice.

"I can almost hear your mewling now." said Hoovitus. "How could he betray us? Why, Hoovitus? Why?" His tone grew more angry. "Look at this planet! Look at it! That is why! The entire galaxy is the same: Broken. Shattered. Rotten to the core. Honor, brotherhood, duty; they are no more than delusions and lies. We use them to justify the death and destruction left in our wake. I cannot tolerate it any longer! I have seen the rot that runs through our Chapter's honor, and it justifies nothing." He quietened as he spoke more. "My memories are full of the screams of those I have killed. Where others see life, I see only death. We all know how this will end. We have always known. It ends in blood."

The recording ended, and Hammerheart tracked where Hoovitus landed and brought focus upon the location.

"The traitor has gone to ground, Commander Hammerheart." said Pinkie. "Hoovitus has retreated to a fortified base on Bludgent Glacier. The area is dense with enemies, but we cannot allow that to stop us. We cannot let Hoovitus escape retribution."

"What intel do we have on the enemy's forces?" said Hammerheart.

"The Dark Legion is present in large numbers." Pinkie explained. "Beyond their main stronghold, they have at least two satellite camps. Patrols stalk the area between these strong-points, ready to pounce. There may well be other defenses which we cannot detect from orbit. A direct assault is possible, but that strategy gives up our only two advantages: surprise and discipline."

"What do you suggest?" Hammerheart asked.

"The Traitor Legions lack discipline." said Pinkie. "Their patrols are more interested in something to kill than actual reconnaissance. I doubt they have any established reporting rites or patrol rotation. If we engage and destroy the patrols quickly, their absence will go unnoticed. The same is true of the satellite camps. We can move from target to target, weakening the enemy until we can strike at the main base and exact retribution."

Applejack came up to Hammerheart from behind.

"Pinkie's strategy is sound, Commander Hammerheart." She said, complimenting the Sergeant's knowledge. "Her analysis of the Traitor Legions aligns with the codex. Pinkie was not on Cronus, however. Skarsend showed himself time and time again to be supremely cunning. He knows well the weaknesses of his slaves. I cannot help but feel he will have taken steps to address them."

The Wages of Sin

The grounds of the glacier appeared to be deserted, but Discord lurked in every nook and cranny around every corner. A quiet whistle grew louder, and a drop pod landed on the frosty ground. Out came Hammerheart and the others ready to hunt down and exact retribution upon the traitor.

"Hello, siblings." Hoovitus said to them through their comm links. "I know you are out there. Coming for me. That dog Skarsend has the area crawling with Dark Legion scum. Deal with them. I will await you here."

"Hoovitus still has access to the vox channels, Commander Hammerheart." said Spike. "I am marking his location on your map display, along with two other Dark Legion outposts. Eliminate those to weaken the main stronghold. Keep a sharp eye out for patrols."

The Blood Phoenixes headed off on their search. They soon found a small patrol of Cultists and killed them off with quick and relative ease. They then found the first outpost with a band of Discord Marines near it. They engaged and destroyed both the heretics and the outpost.

"Night Lurker squad is still hunting." A Discord Marine reported over the channel. "They ignore summons."

"Do not bother me with your failures, Discord whelp!" Hoovitus answered in anger.

The Pony Marines continued with their hunt, shooting at any heretics that attacked them. They discovered the second, and last, outpost with more Discord Marines. They went in and unleashed their fury upon them. The Discord Marines fought back, but were outmatched by the pure leadership of Hammerheart's strike force.

"Blood Phoenixes attack Bastion Tyrannous!" The Discord Marine yelled.

"Are you really this incompetent?" Hoovitus asked, his patience with them was down to nothing. "Mobilize your forces!" He then tuned his voice to the Pony Marines. "They know you are here, Blood Phoenixes."

Pinkie could hear a siren going off in the distance. "They have sounded an alarm." She said.

"Expect the Dark Legion to be ready for you." said Spike.

They moved onward, waiting for what was coming to them. Sure enough, Discord Marines came charging in on their position, but the Pony Marines struck first and wiped them all out.

Hoovitus called Applejack over her comm link. "Applejack. Do you remember when Chapter Master Traytus came to Cronus, after the final victory?" He asked.

Applejack leered. "I have no interest in your nostalgia, Hoovitus." She spat.

"You should, you blind fool." Hoovitus responded harshly before beginning his story. "Traytus wanted to make me his Steed, his personal agent in the Fourth Company. I was with him after his 'Royal Guard' cleaned up all the dark deeds from the Cronus Campaign. He walked me through the ruins of Firstion Bay, celebrating the slaughter I had carried out there. If you had been there, you too would see what a rotten veil of lies our Chapter has become."

The Pony Marines advanced onto another position were Discord Marines held their ground and attacked. The Blood Phoenixes engaged. Their weapons laid waste to the enemy squads

"Obliterator and Cektor squads no longer respond." The Discord Marine said.

"You had best hurry, siblings." said Hoovitus. "The squads you have killed are going to be missed."

"Reporting to Chapter Master Traytus is one thing, Hoovitus." said Applejack. "But betraying us to the Dark Legion is another."

"I thought that as well." said Hoovitus. "Until after the Paranids, when Traytus contacted me again. And told me to provide information and aid to an ally of his..."

"... named Skarsend."

Hammerheart stopped when he heard that. Was Hoovitus implying that the Chapter Master had fallen to Discord? But there was no time to think. They kept moving until they had finally arrived.

"Here we are at last." said Hoovitus. "The end is in sight."

"Show yourself!" Rainbow Dash shouted.

"Do not worry, Rainbow Dash." said Hoovitus. "Have you ever known me to run and hide?" Hoovitus approached the Blood Phoenixes from behind cover. "I needed only to ready the Chapter Master's final gift to me."

He revealed himself to the Pony Marines and launched a barrage of rockets at them. They quickly fell back from the attack.

"Termineightor Armor." said Applejack.

"Yes." said Hoovitus as he approached them, "The holiest of Chapter relics in the hooves of a loathsome betrayer. There is the honor of the Blood Phoenixes!"

With Hoovitus wearing Termineightor Armor, he would be much more of a challenge than the Pony Marines expected. Hammerheart went in to attack. Rainbow Dash took to the sky and slammed near Hoovitus, sending him flying back a few. The others stood back and fired away at the traitor. Hammerheart and Rainbow Dash struck at him, angering him even more.

"Get back!" Hoovitus shouted as he turned and bucked his Powerhooves at Hammerheart and Rainbow Dash, sending them flying back.

Just then, a Disharmonaught came after them, but Goliath went in to attack it and keep them focused on Hoovitus. The others kept striking and shooting the traitor, but then Hoovitus disappeared and reappeared in a bolt of Warp energies a few feet from where he stood.

"This is all that remains: blood and fury!" He said as he aimed his assault cannon and unleashed a bullet storm in a slow sweep in front of him, killing any Pony Marine unfortunate enough to be caught in the firing range.

Hoovitus then charged at Hammerheart, and they smashed into each other. Hammerheart pushed Hoovitus off him and swung his Thunder Hammer, but Hoovitus teleported again to a fair distance.

"Only the fury of battle can silence the dead!" He shouted as he reared his head back and blasted more rockets at the Blood Phoenixes.

"Missile Barrage!" Pinkie yelled.

Some battle siblings were caught in the explosions, but Hammerheart and the other leaders escaped the hell-zone. They went back in to attack. Hoovitus charged at Hammerheart again, slamming into the Commander, but Hammerheart swung his Hammer and sent Hoovitus flying back with one good hit. Hoovitus got back to his hooves and fell back to recover.

"Faith is a lie! Truth is a lie!" He shouted.

From a distance, daemons approached the battlefield, but Hammerheart called in an Orbital Bombardment on them and they were blown to pieces. They continued to strike at Hoovitus. With one final shot from Applejack did the traitor finally meet his end at the hooves of their retribution, and he fell to the ground.

"Your death will weigh on my soul, Hoovitus." said Applejack. "As will your folly."

Hoovitus looked up at his old partner. "I want none of your pity, Applejack!" Hoovitus hissed with his dying breath. "But remember this day, because you are looking at your own future. Someday you will see through all the lies. And then the dead will come for you as well."

"Nopony died in Her service that died in vain." Applejack quoted.

Hoovitus scowled and bared his teeth in anger. "Spare us your empty platitudes!" He spat. "It matters not who lives and dies! Blood is shed as it has always been. There is nothing else... in this forsaken... existence!" And he went limp, his tortured life leaving his corrupted body.

The Price of Betrayal

After the terrible battle against their once loyal battle sibling, Hammerheart and the Blood Phoenixes returned to the Retribution to recover from the conflict.

"Let that be the last of treachery and corruption in the Chapter." said Applejack.

"Unlikely." said Pinkie, "Hoovitus clearly accused Chapter Master Traytus. I fear a heretic is in command of our entire Chapter."

Rainbow Dash spotted something in space. "Commander Hammerheart, another ship in orbit." She said, then recognized it after a better look. "It is the Stampede of Fury, Captain Pegalos' Battle Barge."

Sure enough, a call came from the ship, and Pegalos appeared onscreen.

"Commander Hammerheart, we face a terrible situation." said Pegalos. "Chapter Master Traytus has gone mad, and Philosophies has branded my siblings and I as renegades."

"Sergeant Hoovitus secretly served the powers of Discord." Applejack reported. "He has paid the price for his betrayal, but we believe the Chapter Master serves Discord as well."

Pegalos sighed through his nostrils. "I feared as much." He said. "There will come a reckoning for Traytus. I swear it."

"Dire though the situation in the Chapter may be, the threat to the sector is worse." said Twilight. "Traytus bound a mighty daemon inside Planet Arctika a thousand years ago. Skarsend is intent on releasing it, and destroying the planet in the process."

"Without the Blood Phoenixes to defend the sector, all our recruiting worlds will fall." said Rainbow Dash.

"The Chapter Master may have branded us as renegades, but we still stand with our worlds." said Pegalos. "We must mount an assault and eliminate the foul monstrosity here and now. I am transferring details to your planetary display. Pegalos out."

Hammerheart focused upon the area where Nettor resided, and it was time to slay the great daemon once and for all.

"Commander Hammerheart, the daemon Nettor is manifesting in the ruins of Keep Selene." said Pegalos. "This was once the grandest of our Chapter Keeps. Now, the Dark Legion infests its ruins. Skarsend's forces are well entrenched and prepared to repel any surgical strike. Nevertheless, we must, we will, prevail."

"How will we crack the Dark Legion defenses?" said Hammerheart.

"Hunter Tanks from the Stampede of Fury will drive into the enemy's defensive line." said Pegalos. "Their mission is to destroy key Dark Legion installations. Once the hunters eliminate their targets, my forces will launch an all-out assault on the Chapter Keep. With the Dark Legion repelling our assault, you can drop into the keep itself and strike at the daemon."

Hammerheart contacted Spike. "Can we coordinate the Hunter's activities?"

"We can supervise their attack in order to better prepare for our strike." said Spike. "One Hunter will deploy in the Annihilator Pattern, perfect for dealing with enemy armor. The other will use the Destructor Pattern, better suited for dealing with heavy infantry."

Foul Play in the Chapter Keep

On the grounds near the keep, the two Hunter Tanks drove in. One was equipped with an Autocannon turret and two Heavy Bolters on the sides; the Destructor. The other was equipped with a Twin-linked Lascannon turret and two more Lascannons on the sides; the Annihilator.

"The Hunter Annihilator and Hunter Destructor are deployed and ready to begin their attack." said Pegalos. "Key targets are indicated on the tactical map. The Empress guide you to victory, Blood Phoenixes."

The icy terrain continued to crack and fall apart. Large ice spikes stuck out of the ground, and large pieces of the land broke from the surface and floated up into the air.

But the Hunter drivers were unfazed and continued with the mission at hoof. They drove along the path that was carved before them.

"Retribution to Hunter Annihilator: Discord armor ahead." Spike warned. "Use your Lascannon to cut them apart."

A Discord Hunter appeared, and both Hunter Tanks opened fire. The Annihilator melted the other tank's armor thanks to its anti-vehicular weaponry. When the defiled tank was destroyed, the Hunters moved on, but Spike called them again.

"Hunter Destructor: Discord Havocs are set up ahead of you." said Spike. "Their lascannons and missile launchers pose a serious threat. Use your Autocannon to eliminate them before they can cause serious damage."

The Hunter Destructor went in and blasted the Discord Marines to bloody pieces with the Autocannon, and its mounted Heavy Bolters shot at and tore them to shreds. A Disharmonaught came in to attack, but the Annihilator blasted it to scrap with the heat of its Lascannons.

When the traitor marines were slain, they advanced onto the next location and found a key position.

"Target in sight." One of the drivers reported.

"Excellent." said Pegalos, "Destroy all enemy fortifications."

Another Discord Hunter drove in and blasted the Destructor with lascannon fire, but the Annihilator approached and blasted the tank to smithereens. They then proceeded to attack the Discord Marines and their temple. They killed off the marines, and then razed the temple to burning charcoal.

"Target destroyed." One of the drivers said.

"Well done." said Pegalos. "Strike Force Fury: Launch attack!"

Far from the Hunters' position, a drop pod landed, and out came Captain Michael Pegalos himself and a squad of Pegasus Marines.

"Forward!" said Pegalos, "Today we regain the honor of our Chapter!"

Four more pods landed in the area, and squads of Scout, Tactical, and Devastator Pony Marines emerged and followed after Pegalos.

The Hunter Tanks drove up the stairs to the pods, and another pod landed near then. Out came Sergeants Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Unicorn Twilight Sparkle, Harmonaught Captain Goliath Nule, and Force Commander Hammerheart onto the battlefield.

"Commander Hammerheart, we should divert to support Captain Pegalos." Twilight suggested. "By eliminating the Dark Legion defenders, we can stem the tide of Blood Phoenix deaths."

Hammerheart and his siblings headed off along a different path from Pegalos, and found a large squad of Discord Pony Marines, who saw them as well.

"Blood Phoenixes!" One of the marines yelled. "Lord Skarsend was right! The loyalists are trying to outflank us!"

The Blood Phoenixes attacked the Discord Marines. Blood was spilled on both sides as loyalists and traitors alike fell to each others' bullets and blades. But the Celestial Pony Marines overcame the small army and moved on. However, something else watched the action unfold.

"Ho ho, what is this?" the voice of Nettor said in interest, "More Blood Phoenixes... You should visit with me. I have gifts for one and all." The daemon laughed.

Twilight felt a slight pain. "Ah... the daemon is here already..." She said.

"We are too late." said Rainbow Dash.

"No..." Twilight said, struggling to speak, "The daemon is manifest... but not yet free. He cannot yet leave the keep."

The Blood Phoenixes engaged another army of traitor marines, and Nettor broke into more laughter as he felt more Pony Marines die by the hooves of Discord. "Yes... come and feel Nurgle's embrace, Blood Phoenixes..." He shouted with jollity followed by a vocal vibration and more evil laughter.

Twilight realized what was going on. "The daemon feeds on our siblings' lives." She said, still struggling to talk.

The battle continued, and the Blood Phoenixes had to keep as little casualties as possible.

"Your Chapter Master imprisoned me!" Nettor said. "Now, I will destroy his Chapter, consume his sector, and rot away his entire reality."

"Commander Hammerheart, deploy your strike team and destroy that daemon." said Pegalos. "Everything depends on it."

The hunt for Nettor continued, but despite their efforts, Pony Marines were still falling to enemy fire. Nettor fed on their deaths, growing stronger with every soul.

"Delightful!" Nettor laughed.

Hammerheart's strike force trotted along a path that would take them to the keep, but another voice came through to them, all too familiar.

"I commend you on your persistence, Blood Phoenixes." said Skarsend. "Even faced with the betrayal of your sibling Hoovitus, you strive on. Such determination could accomplish a great deal, if backed by the powers of the Dark Gods. As it is, your stubborn nature only ensures your destruction."

Hammerheart and his siblings encountered a Discord Hunter, and attacked it with steely determination. When the Hunter was demolished, they moved on.

"You draw closer to your doom, Blood Phoenixes." said Skarsend as he approached them. "Surrender to the inevitable. Share in our glory!"

Hammerheart went in and attacked the Discord Lord. Rainbow Dash took to the sky and landed near them, engaging in melee as well. Applejack, Pinkie, and Twilight stayed back and blasted him with their weapons.

"It was left to me to manipulate Captain Pegalos into launching this attack." Skarsend explained as he clashed with Hammerheart. "Aroghent never understood the true grandeur of this plan, but you. You have played your parts very well, Blood Phoenixes."

Elsewhere, Pegalos's forces were being killed, and Nettor only grew stronger.

The daemon laughed. "All who die, die for the Plague Lord!" He laughed some more.

The battle against Skarsend was costing them dearly. Hammerheart had to finish him off quickly. Skarsend slashed at Hammerheart, but the Commander blocked the strike. He then grabbed Skarsend, picked him up over himself, threw him to the ground, and slammed his Thunder Hammer into his side.

Skarsend looked to the Pony Marines. "Well fought, Blood Phoenixes." He wheezed. "But while you battled me, how much stronger has Nettor become? Victory is still mine... siblings." He laughed before disappearing in a flash of Warp energies.

"Oh ho! Skarsend again proves to be a disappointment." said Nettor. "His refusal to accept death is an offense to Grandfather Nurgle. Still, he served his purpose."

Hammerheart continued on the path to the keep. The air grew rank with the stench of a million corpses as they drew closer. When they arrived, they could see the daemon in all its unholy form.

"Only a few more deaths, and I shall be free to consume the whole sector." said Nettor. "Your deaths will do nicely."

The Pony Marines came closer to the keep, and Nettor came waddling towards them. When he was ten feet from them, he started to repeatedly take in breaths. The Pony Marines got out of the way as a river of vomit rocketed out of his gaping maw. When Nettor finished puking, he took up his sword and went in to kill. Goliath, being the most durable of them all, drew Nettor's attention while the other Blood Phoenixes attacked. Two Disharmonaughts came into the fray. Hammerheart had Captain Nule deal with them while he combated against Nettor. The great daemon then proceeded to slash at Hammerheart, who easily dodged his slow swings.

Goliath clashed with one of the Disharmonaughts, but the other one engaged the Pony Marines. Blood Phoenixes were being killed by the Discord Mech's grappling limb and daemon fire, further strengthening Nettor's chance of escape.

"Ah! Such a feast of souls!" said Nettor. "I shall tear apart all your worlds!"

He started taking in more breaths, and the Pony Marines quickly evaded the vomit that erupted from his mouth. Goliath had destroyed the Disharmonaught he was fighting, and the Pony Marines miraculously destroyed the other that killed most of their siblings. They all returned their attentions to Nettor, who was so very close to freedom. But they weren't going to allow that to happen. Hammerheart was still striking at Nettor's girth, but the great daemon lifted his foot and stomped the ground, sending the Commander flying back a few feet. Goliath went in and struck at Nettor as well. The Blood Phoenixes unleashed all their Equestrial might and fury upon the festering freak of the Warp. Hammerheart went back in to attack. With more hits than can be counted, soon the daemon backed up and fell on his rear-end, blood exploded from his body in copious amounts.

"Ah..." Nettor moaned in defeat. "The victory is yours Blood Phoenixes. Death comes to all flesh, even that containing an essence as glorious as my own." Nettor's body exploded, his spine flew into the air and evaporated into Warp particles, but his voice still echoed to the Pony Marines. "Such is the way of Nurgle." He said. "But do not delude yourselves that your victory will last, little ponies. This prison cannot hold me forever. It is cracked and weakened, and its architect now feasts on Nurgle's rotted fruit. You and your pathetic Chapter will feel my hate again before long!"

Renegades

Aboard the Battle Barge Stampede of Fury, Michael Pegalos and Hammerheart stood before their battle siblings.

"Blood Phoenixes." said Pegalos, "Victory is ours! You have driven the Dark Legion from the sector. And banished the vile daemon who sought to consume us. But a more terrible battle remains ahead. Our Chapter is in the hooves of a madsteed and a heretic. Traytus, he who should be the greatest of us all, has bargained away his soul to the powers of Discord. And we are branded as renegades and traitors. My siblings, this cannot, this will not, stand!"

Pegalos turned to Hammerheart next to him. "Commander Hammerheart, you and your siblings have suffered most under this corruption." He said. "Traytus branded you as renegades for the temerity of standing against the Dark Legion. Yet you refused to yield. You battled the enemies of Ponies and purged the corruption within your own ranks. Together, we shall gather those in the Chapter who share your courage, the courage to stand against Traytus and his fiendish masters."

Pegalos turned to the Pony Marines before him. "With those allies, we shall purge the rot in our Chapter once and for all. When that day comes, we must all be ready. Let none find us wanting!"

And the Pony Marines shouted in unison: "By Chapter and Empress. Let none find us wanting!"

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Meanwhile, somewhere so corrupt, in a prison so dark, Skarsend was restricted to an indented hold that bound most of his movements. A door opened and a blinding light shined in. The light was then blocked by the sinister figure of someone who walked in and sealed the door shut.

"Lord Armeddon... it will be as I promised..." Skarsend said as the dreaded Pony came to him. "The Blood Phoenixes will fall." And the one called Armeddon reached out his clawed hoof toward Skarsend. Empress only knows what would happen to the Discord Lord.

Arctika's Return

"Commander Hammerheart, this is Michael Pegalos." the Captain called. "We have detected a Blood Phoenixes distress signal coming from somewhere nearby." Three drop pods landed in locations far from each other. "If there are Chapter Siblings in need, provide support. But be wary of a trap. Pegalos out."

Out of one of the pods came Hammerheart himself, still wearing his Termineightor Armor, and Scout Sergeant Pinkie Pie. Along with a couple more Scout Pony Marines.

"Our drop pods have scattered, Commander Hammerheart." said Pinkie. "Something is interfering with the navigation systems. We should locate our other forces and regroup."

They headed off towards the nearest drop pod, unfazed by the coldness, but on their way they encountered some Guardponies.

"Guardponies?" said Pinkie, "What are they doing here?"

As they got closer, the Sergeant of the Guardponies spotted them, and the others aimed their lasguns.

"Hold your positions, Pony Marines!" the Sergeant boldly ordered as he aimed his laspistol. "I said, HOLD!"

"Lower your weapon, Guardpony." Pinkie replied. "We do not answer to you."

The Sergeant looked to his stallions. "Gun them down!" The Guardponies opened fire upon Hammerheart and Pinkie. Hammerheart shot the sergeant with his Storm Bolter, and swung his Thunder Hammer at the others. A few Guardponies garrisoned two buildings.

"I can clear those bunkers with explosives." said Pinkie. "Attacking them with standard weapons takes much more time."

Pinkie threw explosive charges into the structures, detonated them, and the bunkers collapsed onto the Guardponies inside.

Hammerheart and Pinkie looked at the bodies that lied before them. "Something sinister is going on here." said Pinkie. "No loyal Guardpony would ever fire on a Pony Marine." She looked out to the distance. "I doubt these traitors were alone."

They headed out to continue searching for their other siblings, eventually reaching the Devastator Marine Sergeant, Hoovitus.

"Commander Hammerheart." Hoovitus addressed. "The immediate area is secure, but this 'unpopulated glacier' is an armed camp. Did this world not just emerge from the Warp?"

"If so, someone else got here first." said Pinkie.

"Traitor Guardponies." Hoovitus scowled. "Just when I was starting to respect them."

"Hate them if you will, but do not underestimate them." Pinkie warned.

They headed off to find the last pod, and their other siblings. They trotted along a crumbling ledge of thick ice. From afar, more Traitorous Guardponies were ready to attack.

"Here they come." said one of the Guardponies. "Get ready to fire..." They moved into position, but encountered Tactical Marine Sergeant Applejack.

"Traitors." said Applejack as she threw a frag grenade. The grenade blew up and killed a few Guardponies, alerting them of her presence. They turned and opened fire on her, and she fired back.

"Quickly, while Applejack has their attention." said Hoovitus. "We should engage them at extreme ranged, and focus our fire."

While Hammerheart and the others attack a few Guardponies, Applejack was quickly overwhelmed by their numbers, and was knocked down.

"The scum incapacitated Applejack." Hoovitus growled as they killed off the last few traitors still standing. "Commander Hammerheart, use a stimulant kit to heal her from a distance, or manually revive her."

Hammerheart went up to the fallen Sergeant and gave her prompt medical treatment. Applejack got back to her hooves.

"My thanks, Commander Hammerheart." said Applejack. "Our drop pod took anti-air fire on final approach. Only I made it out, and just barely."

"And still you made yourself a target to break that ambush." said Hoovitus. "What would the Codex say about that?"

Applejack knew each Marine's duty like the back of her hoof. "The Tactical Squad shall draw the enemy's fire, thus allowing the Devastator Squad to attack from a position of strength."

"Ha! That it does." Hoovitus chuckled.

"This whole situation looks like a trap," said Applejack, "but there is still a distress signal transmitting from somewhere nearby. We had best locate its source quickly."

They continued on with their search for the signal, but when they found the source, it was not of their variety of tech.

"Standard Equestrial locator relay." said Pinkie. "Transmitting a generic distress signal using Blood Phoenixes codes. Just enough to lure us in."

A single Guardpony trotted up to the Pony Marines and spied on them from behind the pipes. "Coordinates: Nine-point-six by eleven-twelve." After giving the position, the Guardpony galloped away. "Launch barrage!"

Hoovitus heard that loud and clear. "Artillery!" He said, "Clear the area!" They galloped away from the relay, which was blown to smithereens by artillery shells.

"A spotter called in that attack from hiding. Cowards!" said Hoovitus. The shells started following them across the bridge they were on. Once they reached the other side, the artillery started to cease.

"We should extract and bomb this ice pile from orbit." Hoovitus suggested, wanting to utterly destroy every traitor on world.

"No." said Applejack, "We need to secure an approach before we can launch an extraction."

"Only logic engines can track and target drop pods." said Pinkie. "Those systems depend on a broadcast array."

"Then let us act like Pony Marines!" said Hoovitus. "Find the array, and destroy it."

They headed off to search for the array, encountering and executing traitor Guardponies they meet. They soon find the array and unload their guns upon the structure until it succumbed to destruction.

"Lightningeagle is en route." said Pinkie.

"Then we should proceed to the extraction point," said Hoovitus, "and destroy any other traitors we find."

They headed off to the extraction point, and ran into more traitors along the way. They soon reach a very open area. Applejack looked around.

"We are exposed here." She warned. "Watch for an ambush."

They carefully traversed through the danger zone, and eventually reached the extraction point. They approached the spot, but they knew they were not out of the lion's den, yet.

"We should expect a counterattack shortly." said Hoovitus.

"Agreed." said Applejack, "Still, this is a defensible position. We hold here."

A call came from their expected transport off world. "Lightningeagle Talon Alpha inbound." The Pilot said. "Hold position."

Hoovitus looked at a bunker behind him. "My Devastator Squad should take position in that structure." He suggested. "This whole area will become our killing field."

Hoovitus and the other Devastator Marines garrisoned the large bunker. Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and the Scout Pony Marines took position inside a smaller bunker. And Hammerheart, unable to garrison due to his armor, remained where he was, ready to combat the traitors.

The attack had not come yet, but Hoovitus knew what was going on. "The traitors are laying down a barrage to soften us up! Prepare for an assault!"

Hammerheart backed away from the striking positions, and artillery shells began raining down near them, and destroyed one of the empty bunkers. The barrage failed, but the incoming attack was imminent.

An army of Guardponies came galloping towards them, and immediately attacked Hammerheart. Hoovitus and his squad unleashed their wave of heavy bolter rounds at the traitors. Applejack and the Scout Marines opened fire upon the Guardponies, while Pinkie sniped them. Hammerheart held his own, swinging his hammer and shooting his bolter. They were driving the traitors back. The Guardponies resorted to using their bayonets, but they only scratched Hammerheart's armor. More armies of Guardponies came in.

After a good couple hours of fighting, their transport arrived.

"Here comes Talon Alpha!" said Pinkie.

The Lightningeagle made a bombing run that killed anyone within its blast radius. This was enough to demoralize the weak hearted traitors into a retreat.

"Look," Applejack called, "they are breaking off the attack!"

"What do you expect from traitors?" Hoovitus asked angrily. "Courage and honor?"

The ship landed, and the Pony Marines slowly boarded.

"The Reward for Treachery: Retribution." Hoovitus quoted as the hatch doors closed.

Author's Note

First a swarm of voracious animals, now an army of traitors. This day gets better with every second. And now begins the expansion of Magic of War II. Like it if you like it. Fave it if you love it. Watch me if you like and\or love me. Comment if you have anything to say about this story, but be nice about your comments. If any of you readers see any errors, let me know through means other than comments, please and thanks.

A Call to Aid

Hammerheart and his Battle Siblings returned to their new Cruiser, appropriately named "The Retribution", and regrouped with Pegasus Marine Sergeant Rainbow Dash and Captain Goliath Nule. Michael Pegalos appeared onscreen.

"Well done, Commander Hammerheart." said Pegalos. "Those Guardponies have paid the price for betraying the Empress. We must discover who these traitors were and how they came to use a Blood Phoenixes code. But we will have to investigate that later. The second strike team I assigned to investigate Arctika has sent a distress signal. Sergeant Rainbow Dash and her Pegasus Marines are already prepared to deploy, along with the Harmonaught, Goliath Nule."

"This signal could be another trap, Cap'n Pegalos." said Applejack.

"This call is a full message, Sergeant." Pegalos replied. "Review the signal on your planetary display and provide whatever support you can."

Rainbow Dash approached Hammerheart with information about the traitorous Guardponies they fought.

"Commander Hammerheart," She said, "I recognize the markings on the troopers who ambushed you. They used Equestrial Guard equipment, but those were house Brae Tyre forces."

"Brae Tyre?" Applejack asked. "The deposed governor? That coward fled the sector when the Paranids attacked."

"The noble houses on Galantius have their own militia." said Rainbow Dash. "It looks like Brae Tyre's troops are resisting the new regime."

Hoovitus smirked. "I am sure Governess Fluttershy will be delighted."

Hammerheart zoned in upon the Toros Iceworks, and the sender of the distress call came onscreen.

"Strike Cruiser Retribution, this is Unicorn Twilight Sparkle." The Unicorn said. "We are under attack. The Eldeer are massing around us. They have a Treelord, which has already claimed Sergeant Steedion. We must drive these xenos back!"

Hammerheart raised an eyebrow from the given information. "What are the Eldeer doing on Arctika?" He asked.

"We found them excavating the area," Twilight explained, "to what end I don't know. The Eldeer have deployed a powerful force to ensure we do not find out. I fear we will not survive long without reinforcement."

The transmission ended, and a call from the Vehicle Docking Bay came up. Hammerheart answered it to hear Captain Goliath's deep metallic voice come through.

"Commander Hammerheart..." said Nule, "Steedion was once... my Second-in-Command. I will not... abandon him..."

"Our honored sibling is right, Commander." said Applejack. "We must recover Steedion and Twilight, and exterminate the Eldeer."

Rest in Peace

Down on the grounds of the Iceworks, Eldeer warriors stood around a beacon, and the body of a fallen Pony Marine. The scarred and crushed ground indicating it was a fierce battle, indeed. A quiet whistling sound grew louder, and a drop pod landed not too far from the site. Out of the pod came Hammerheart and the Sergeants, along with Captain Nule. They spotted the animals from their position.

"Eldeer warriors!" said Rainbow Dash. "Attack!"

They went in to engage the troops. Rainbow Dash took to the sky and slammed into the ground, crushing and sending Eldeer flying. Goliath saw that the Eldeer were standing around the fallen Marine, and he knew it was his old friend.

"Steedion!" Goliath yelled, "Away from him... you Eldeer wretches!"

Once they killed off the Eldeer that stood near the beacon, they had to make their first move.

"Quickly secure that beacon!" said Applejack.

Hammerheart quickly got to the beacon and began the capture process. The Eldeer fought back hard with their splinter pistols and magic.

Rainbow Dash spotted more Eldeer approaching them. "Eldeer witches!" She yelled. "Get back!"

Hammerheart quickly got away as explosions of magic erupted where he stood before. Then the witches were blasted by a different form of magic. Every Eldeer that was shot with a lavender purple magic beam was knocked to the ground.

"No more Blood Phoenixes fall this day." said Twilight Sparkle as she came into view. "No more!!"

Warp Stags teleported and surrounded her along with the Eldeer she previously knocked back, but Twilight unleashed a deadly magic attack that swirled around her and sucked in the surrounding Eldeer. With one stomp of her hoof, the Eldeer were sent flying and exploded in a bloody, gory mess of flesh and organs.

She continued onward and reached Hammerheart and the others, aiding them with her magic abilities. When the last Eldeer were slain, Hammerheart approached the Unicorn.

"You are a welcomed sight indeed, Commander Hammerheart." the Unicorn said. "I am Twilight Sparkle."

"And... Steedion?" Goliath asked.

Twilight closed her eyes and sighed. "He fell saving me from an Eldeer war machine." She said. "We had just discovered a large xeno structure to the east when they attacked."

"A Webway Assembly no doubt." said Applejack. "It will allow them to invade at their leisure. We must destroy it."

"Go..." Goliath said as he approached the dead Pony Marine, "I will guard over... our sibling's remains. The Chapter... will not lose... Steedion's gene-seed."

Twilight nodded in empathy. "Of course." She looked to Hammerheart. "I am at your disposal, Commander."

They headed off to search for and destroy the Assembly that the Eldeer used to enter Arctika. It seemed like an easy hunt, too easy. As they progressed through the icy road, they found frozen statues that looked nothing like something to commemorate the Equestrium.

"What in the Empress's name are those?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Something akin to a Treelord." said Applejack.

They continued on, and they soon reached the end of the road. Twilight felt a strange energy source nearby.

"Magic power is building up." She said.

"Quickly, destroy their access to the Webway!" said Applejack.

"You are too late." a Warlock said as he casted magic upon statues similar to the ones the Pony Marines encountered. "The ancient souls have found their new homes. Rise, Treeguard. Destroy the ponies!" The statues came to life as they broke free of their frozen prison, and they began their attack.

The Pony Marines fought back with righteous fury and valor, and they had managed to defeat the Treeguards and the Warlock. They continued upwards and found the Webway Assembly, along with another Warlock, and more Treeguards. They dispatched the Eldeer first, then slowly did away with the Assembly itself. The structure burned and crumbled at their hooves.

"Good." said Applejack, "The remaining Eldeer are cut off. They cannot retreat."

"What were those things the Warlock summoned?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"He called them 'Treeguard'." said Twilight. "They somehow drew magic power from him."

A call came to Hammerheart, and he brought his hoof to his comm link.

"The Eldeer... press their attack." said Nule. "I will not... leave Steedion to these... xenos." At the drop site, Goliath fought back against Eldeer forces that were fighting hard against him. Goliath was determined to defend Steedion's body with his life.

"Captain Nule! Hold fast!" said Rainbow Dash. "We must support him Commander Hammerheart."

They turned and quickly headed back to aid Captain Nule, but on their way they encountered the once frozen statues that have now gained mobility.

"More Treeguard!" Rainbow Dash yelled.

"They are sluggish." Twilight pointed out. "They must require a Warlock's support."

Hammerheart slammed his hammer into the first Treeguard that attacked him, breaking its legs and killing it quickly. Rainbow Dash took to the sky and slammed into the last two. Applejack shot one with her plasma gun, while Twilight blasted the other with her magic. When the Treeguards were dead, they continued on to help Goliath, who called Hammerheart again.

"I am taking... damage from... Branch Lances!" Nule yelled. The Pony Marines had to pick up the pace, fast.

They galloped at Empress's speed, but more Treeguards broke free from their icy stasis, with the help of Eldeer magic.

"More of them!" said Applejack.

"And with a Warlock this time." said Twilight. "Kill him to weaken the Treeguard."

Hammerheart attack the Warlock while the others dealt with the Treeguards. Hammerheart struck the Warlock with a lethal blow to the chest and kicked him to the ground before putting a bolter bullet in his head. The Treeguard lost their power, and the others finished them off quickly.

After dealing with them, the Pony Marines finally reached Captain Nule, who had managed to weather the Eldeer attack.

"Now... Steedion... shall rest." said Goliath.

Rifts in the Warp

Hammerheart and the Blood Phoenixes landed on Spire Nimbus, and Twilight had already felt a strange phenomena occurring all around them.

"A rift in the Warp." She said. "As long as it remains open, the enemy can summon reinforcements."

All over the Spire, Cultists and Pony Marines of Discord patrolled the area searching for civilians to sacrifice to their dark gods.

"Key targets are on your map display, Commander Hammerheart." said Fluttershy. "If you destroy the enemy's generators and strongholds, the Equestrial Guard can retake Spire Nimbus."

The Pony Marines headed off, and found a few of the generators, and a desecrated structure emitting evil magic that struck Twilight's nerves like lightning. "A temple!" She said, "They have established a temple to the powers of Discord."

"Destroy this foul den!" Applejack yelled. "There is no time to waste."

They opened fire upon the black temple and Discord Marines who stood with it. Rainbow Dash and her Pegasus Marines took to the sky and slammed into a squad of cultists. Soon the temple was razed, and the Discord Marines retreat, but one called for an attack.

"Bomb them to ash!" The Discord Marine yelled. "A gift for our dark lords!"

"Barrage incoming!" Applejack called. "Move!"

They fled from the area, and warp fireballs fell from the sky, utterly annihilating anything and anyone unfortunate enough to be caught under or in the blast area. The Pony Marines moved on to the next closest target, which were the field generators. They unloaded their rounds and destroyed the damned buildings.

"Let fire rain from the Warp!" another Discord Marine shouted. The Blood Phoenixes took off from the area, and more warp fireballs fell from above and demolished everything they hit. The Pony Marines had only a few more structures to eliminate. They kept searching until they found the last generators still standing. With ease, the heretical buildings were leveled to the ground.

"There!" said Hoovitus, "That should silence the heretic's guns. Fluttershy's fragile Guardponies can advance without trembling now."

The Rescue

Back aboard the Retribution, a call came to the Pony Marines. Governess Fluttershy appeared onscreen.

"Thank you, Commander Hammerheart." She said. "The 85th Stabelson has begun its assault on the spire. The heretics are resisting, but without their guns, they will crumble. It is good to see them suffering the wages of their sins. Fluttershy out."

A distress call came from the planet of Dolmaska, and the Retribution made its way. When they arrived, Hammerheart brought focus upon the Swalak Ruins, and Captain Pegalos appeared onscreen.

"Commander Hammerheart, the Dark Legion is attacking a detachment of Blood Phoenix scouts." said Pegalos. "Sergeant Rojo led a group of initiates to investigate an intermittent positioning signal from the depths of the Dolmaska desert. They expected to recover the remains of siblings lost during the Paranid war. They found the Dark Legion laying in wait. We cannot allow the Discord Legions to destroy them."

"Play the distress call." said Hammerheart.

And Pegalos did so. *Rojo to command,* the Scout Sergeant said, *we require tactical aid and fire support. Under attack by Discord Pony Marines. We are making for Swalak Ruins. The Traitor Legions have already killed eight scouts and taken five others-* The call cut.

Applejack stepped up. "Another falsified Chapter signal." She said. "This is Skarsend's handiwork; I am certain of it."

"And that of the turncoat who gave the signal rites to him." said Hoovitus.

Having heard that Scout Pony Marines were in danger, Pinkie approached Hammerheart.

"I trained Rojo and several of those initiates myself." She said. "I will not abandon them now. I am going on this mission."

Hammerheart saw that she was determined to save the siblings of tomorrow she trained, and thus nodded in agreement to her coming.

Lord of Discord

Back aboard the Retribution, Governess Fluttershy called them and appeared onscreen to thank the Pony Marines some more.

"Commander Hammerheart, I am forever in your debt." She said, but her expression turned to confusion and frustration. "I cannot understand why Captain Pegalos and Captain Philosophies refused to aid us. But in our darkest times, against our most terrible foes, you stood with us. Galantius will never forget this. I will never forget."

The call ended, and the Retribution made its way to Arctika to deal with another important mission that would release the strain upon their anger. When they arrived, the one who had been calling them out since they first met began to yell at them through their vox channel.

"Blood Phoenixes, hear me!" the Discord Lord shouted. "I am Aroghent the Plunderer! Master of Hounds! The Lash of the Dark Legion! You and all your kind are cowards! Lowly lickspittles! You must be emulating that cobwebbed corpse you call an Empress! You are as dead and useless as her! I am destroying your worlds, Blood Phoenixes. Yet you do nothing! I see your precious craft, hanging above Arctika. I am here. Face me if you dare!"

Hammerheart grunted. "We must destroy this braggart!"

"I agree, Commander Hammerheart." said Applejack. "We cannot allow him to call us, and the Empress, cowards. When we strike at this madsteed, there can be no falling back or tactical withdrawals."

Hoovitus stomped his hoof in pure anger against the Plunderer. "Enough! I can no longer sit here in orbit while that treasonous filth lives. I swear I will deliver the deathblow myself."

Horror Unleashed

Skarsend the Scourger

"Here, a thousand years ago, in this place. Lonestar, mightiest of the Blood Phoenixes, battled the great Nettor. With his dying breath, did Lonestar stab at the heart of the Great One."

"What none could slay, he wounded."

"And so noble Lonestar died, with only his student Traytus left to mourn him. Weakened, the Great One could not resist Traytus. The hated student bound and shackled Nettor."

"Now, that bondage ends."

_____________________________________________________________________________________

At the keep, hidden on Arctika, a Discord Plague Marine picked up and held a Scout Pony Marine by the neck-hole of his armor in front of a well. With one thrust, the scout was sent screaming down the bottomless well and into the darkness. The Plague Marine stood, waiting for whatever was to come.

A quiet, daemonic laughter grew louder, and a frighteningly shadowy apparition flew out of the well. The Discord Marine offered his own body as a sacrifice to the darkness, and the shadow swallowed him whole.

"At last!" the shadow said as it transformed into a giant slug-like monster with crooked horns on its head. Writhing maggots squirmed in festering cuts and gouges that were all over its body. Pus leaked out of every inch of rotting skin on the creature. Its belly was split open, and its intestines hung out. Flies swarmed around its body. And it wielded a large blade that reeked of many diseases.

Nettor was free.

"Oh... Flesh, bone, and bile..." Nettor slurped. "How delicious."

Skarsend approached the great daemon and bowed to his might. "As promised, Great One." He said.

Nettor grinned as he looked upon the Scourger. "Oh, rise little Skarsend." He said. "I remember our bargain."