Warhammer: Chaos in Equestria

Chapter 5

Karlous stood in silent shock, his eyes focused to the doorway of the infirmary. Having first heard Nitronus's anger, the annoying complaining of one of the ponies here, and then that pony's likely demise; the Sergeant had thought to move and intervene. However, hearing and feeling the earthshaking steps that had rushed through the halls and the bellow of rage that still had his ears ringing he knew whoever had went there had rectified the situation alright. The shaking of the walls had proved it, and the silence afterwards was unnerving as he pondered whether or not to investigate.

"Wh...What was that?" Quicksilver murmured as she turned over in her bed. Yawning cutely, she looked to the door with a confused, half-asleep expression before trying to rise.

"Be calm my friend...You need not trouble yourself." Karlous said calmly as he gestured her to remain in bed. "I will investigate what happened."

Quicksilver shook her head defiantly, waving his hands away as she pushed herself off the bed. "I'm not going to stay in bed while you go out there. Somepony very dangerous could be lurking about and you may need backup."

What she didn't tell him, was that whatever was out there had frightened her deep to her core and she didn't want to be alone; but luckily for her he was convinced by her brash response as he laughed slightly and smiled some.

"Alright then my friend, stay close to me if you can walk and we'll see what lies out there." The Sergeant said, drawing his combat knife and checking Quicksilver as she again tested to see if she could indeed walk. After a few testing walks about the room, she nodded to him and rejoined at his side.

Karlous didn't say it, but he was looking over her as they moved to the door. How different she looked, now without armor and clothed only in a thin hospital gown. Her beautifully formed figure was on full display as she shivered slightly, still cold from the lack of more insulating clothing. Her scars were visible as well, places where deep gashes all across her well toned body had been healed by what the mare had called very strange and mysterious powers he possessed. Her mane was also let down fully now, flowing slightly in the breeze the massive marine created with every step as he finally made it to the door. Turning away, he met her gaze once and this told her she'd been looking at him as well; to which they both blushed faintly before focusing fully on the task at hand.

Glancing down both ways of the hall, the Sergeant saw nothing amiss yet. He stepped out cautiously, his knife held level and ready to pierce anyone who dared try anything on him or his friend.Moving down the corridor to his left, where the commotion had taken place from, he still didn't notice anything and so he gestured for Quicksilver to move up again and rejoin him. She did, and finally he peeked around the corner to his right and saw that Dark Angel from earlier. The state he was in, his body contorted in agony as blood pooled around his head and toward their way. His hand clutching to his neck, which was noticeably broken with the bone poking the skin up at the back. His other hand weakly reaching out toward the hallway, likely he was trying to reach the infirmary before he'd collapsed. There was another though, as Karlous rushed with Quicksilver trailing behind as she was already running short of breath from so much movement.

This pony, though ruffled and still bloodied had a regal look and feel about him as the Sergeant got a gauging feel in the warp from him. There was a nagging sense of superiority from him, but now it was overshadowed by concern as he sat by the Dark Angel's side with a slight whimper escaping him.

Falling to his side, and immediately his hands flaming with warp power Karlous asked in a serious tone that Quicksilver knew well. "What happened to him? Why is he like this? And most importantly, who are you?"

The pony gave a slight gasp of surprise before turning to face them. "I...I am Prince Blueblood....I..I was standing just down the hall, arguing with one of those foolish guard just like this thing when it attacked me outright." The pony now named Blueblood actually had a single tear as he glanced back to the Dark Angel. "This...thing...it saved me from death and told off the other creature...I don't know what he did but now he's injured just like I was." His voice became urgent and slightly annoying as he tapped Karlous's shoulder guard firmly. "You have to help it. I demand that you give this thing immediate medical care now!"

Quicksilver came around Karlous, eyeing the state that her friend's acquaintance was in unnerved her slightly and the shrill voice of Blueblood annoyed her greatly. Yet her training immediately kicked in as she turned to the Prince and barked sharply at him. "Shut your mouth and let Karlous help him! Don't pester him while he works or you're just hindering us healing him!"

This had taken Blueblood aback, the sudden anger at him made him want to shout back. But the look in the Guard's eyes was enough for now to convince him otherwise as he turned back to Mekrail and stepped back to give him some space.

Karlous, with a ginger touch guided his glowing hands over the injuries on Mekrail's head. He felt within the deeply broken body the shattered and cracked skull, and knew if he didn't immediately fix this he would die soon from internal bleeding and brain damage. Summoning all his knowledge from his time underneath the first company Librarian's tutelage about healing with the Warp, the Sergeant used all his psychic strength and focused it over the excruciating and profusely bleeding injuries. His voice was soft as he chanted mantras of healing and recovery, and he watched and sensed within the Warp as Mekrail's skin began to slowly suture back together. Every second brought a grunt of pain and groan of agony, but Mekrail must have known he was being helped as he didn't fight the process neither physically or mentally as he glided his hands over every part of his skull that was shattered. Eventually, he stopped. The healing there was complete. There was a sharp sigh, as though Mekrail was more at peace; although he still held a pained expression as he held his neck tightly to keep it somewhat aligned.
"We're not done yet Dark Angel." He whispered.

Reaching down, sweat steaming down his face and dripping to the floor in puddles Karlous faintly pushed Mekrail's hands away before holding his hands steady over the breaks. "This is going to hurt a lot, so brace yourself Captain." Gritting his teeth, Mekrail signaled he was ready with a wave of his hand and so the Sergeant set to work.

None of the noises Mekrail had made before to express his pain even came close to matching his scream of agony that rang out and echoed through the halls as bone was forced to snap back into place by the strange powerful aura of the Warp that flowed from Karlous's fingertips. Quicksilver looked away, covering her ears as she couldn't bear to listen to such screams of pain from another being and didn't want to see his pain. Especially when she'd known the exact same pain herself, for that had been when Karlous ahd rescued her from death the same way back in the cave.

Blueblood was still watching, although he was still looking outwardly very arrogant on the inside he was worried that perhaps this mysterious creature who had spared him would not make it. Previously to speak of, Blueblood had had no friends and nopony would risk their lives in the way this thing had done. He owed this creature his life, and would make sure it knew that as he sat with his head lowered and watched as it continued to scream from the other armored one's healing hands. Eventually, the creature stopped screaming. His breath was shallow and his skin very pale. He seemed as though death would take him any moment, but it was when he spoke that Karlous stepped back. His voice, rough and breaking every few words, was music to the Prince's ears as he moved to the creature's side to hear better. "T...Thank you...Sergeant...K...Karlous."

The creature known as Karlous leaned down as he spoke in an even tone. "Do not thank me for doing the right and proper duty to any brother of mine. Your time was not up brother...you didn't deserve to die like this Captain Mekrail."

There was laugh, then a large coughing fit with a few flecks of blood and phlegm before Mekrail spoke again. "I...T...Thank you anyways....A...And you...y...young pr...prince...for staying at my side."

Blueblood actually smiled as he patted the Marine's massive armored leg. "You saved my life...I owe you everything. The least I could do was be here for you now and from now on if you ever need anything I am at your disposal."

Mekrail laughed weakly again at Blueblood's promise before finally turning back to Karlous and Quicksilver as the mare asked a very important question. "Why were you like this?"

"I...It was...Champion Ni...Nitronus...That damn f...fool...is a be...betrayer of his oaths...He...He harmed the innocent Prince....a...and I he...healed him at a cost...t...to myself." Mekrail said, another coughing fit beginning but yielding nothing but tiring him more as his gaze became clouded and unfocused.

Karlous looked at first to Quicksilver and then to Blueblood before speaking firmly. "You rest for now brother-Captain. The Prince shall look after you while I and Quicksilver seek out this Champion and have a few words with him." Blueblood nodded in agreement to the idea, settling down at Mekrail's side and maintaining a watchful vigilance as Karlous rose and headed off; Quicksilver hugging close to his side as the marine followed the psychic signal of where Nitronus had gone off to.

Nitronus walked stopped when he got to the entrance of the park, the place was quiet, the only sound being the creatures inside. Deciding that this would do he stepped into the park and everything went silent, no birds made a sound let alone dared to move.

"Perhaps Mekrail was right, perhaps I am overreacting." the old marine said to himself, no longer in a booming tone, but one that sounded tired and beaten.

Walking to the center of this park he drew his blade and impaled the ground before him, taking his shield he laid it upon the ground in front of him and to the left of his sword.

"Tis no Reclusium, but it shall do." He said as he knelt before the shield bearing the Emperors Sigil.

In a tree behind him Fluttershy had hidden herself with her animal friends when the giant metal creature made his way into the small clearing. She knew not of who or what he was, but she could tell that he was in pain, not physically as the bluebird she had come to heal and had successfully done so, but that of the heart. Flying down softly she stood and waited for him to finish whatever ritual he was performing.

Nitronus peered out of the corner of his eyes at the yellow and pink xeno with wings before returning to his concentration. He thought about his oath as a space marine, what it had meant before coming to this planet where xenos are not evil, where everything he knows doesn't apply. He looked to the shield for guidance, and it shined in his eyes before the reflected light retched the fore hooves of the little yellow pony. Nitronus didn't question the shield, for he knew better than to question the Emperor, even if his actions are a tad odd at times.

"Greetings... pony." Nitronus said, remaining knelt before the sigil with his sword arm on the ground away from his blade.

"Hi, um, I I"m Fluttershy." The yellow pegasus said with a voice so low and so soothing it could tame a Tyrinid Hoard.

Nitronus sighed, he had no idea what he could talk to this pony about, she was no Reclusiach.

"Are you... okay?" Fluttershy asked before Nitronus could compose himself.

He closed his eyes and relaxed, he not believe the xeno was hostile, emperor forbid this pony could never be hostile even if Khorne himself turned her into a Berserker she wouldn't harm even the tiniest of creatures. "I am, at a crossroads." the Champion finally said as he sat down and leaned back on a tree to show that he was at ease.

"Whats wrong?" Fluttershy questioned as she flew over to him and practically layed on his right leg causeing him to put his bionic arm over her.

"Where I hail from there is constant war, there is no peace. This world is so very different than the rest of the galaxy that I do not know what to do." He said, not realizing that he was now stroking her pink mane.

"Just be kind, and when things start to go bad, if they do, be firm." she said with a smile, this mare was so kind, it was as if she was the embodiment of kindness, Nitronus didn't realize it, but he was smiling down on her from inside his helmet.

"Thank you Fluttershy, my name is Nitronus." the champion responded as he put his head back and sat there stroking her mane as the animals began to play in the clearing.

Karlous once again was silent as he stood in the doorway to the clearing. This time, it was in awe of the young mare whom in seemingly just moments and with few words had completely changed this Marine. His own heart had somewhat felt a pull by her words, and it made him smile slightly as he glanced to Quicksilver. He saw she had taken it similarly, but there was something else there as well. He could sense from her a joy that was almost overpowering as she grinned happily.

"Shy? Is that you down there? Is it really you?" She called out, half galloping down the small footpath near them and stopping a few feet away.
Karlous chuckled at his friend's emotions before leisurely walking down to join her, his knife now sheathed as he sensed he wouldn't need it anymore. Pausing, he looked about at all the animals that played or had gathered around. His voice was soft and resonant as he whistled a tune that turned Quicksilver's head in surprise at the beauty of the melody. The birds perched around took up the sweet melodic tone as he finished, bouncing it between them instantly in perfect harmony before a few dove down and made their new perch on his arm that he held out for them. He smiled as they continued to sing both their own tunes and his before he turned down to a small bunny that had appeared near Fluttershy and the others. Leaning down, he held out his hand and wasn't surprised when the bunny hopped into it. Quickly, he gently set the bunny up on his shoulder before returning his attention solely to Nitronus.

"So I understand you have a problem fine Champion. Be it with the Dark Angel by whom bears the darkest curse we all carry within?" He asked in a firm, yet gently flowing tone as to not disturb the animals he'd gathered.

Quicksilver was smiling at Fluttershy and watched just how quickly she'd become shy and embarrassed at being caught like she was with Nitronus. She couldn't help smiling as the blushing mare rose and stepped stammered away muttering excuses for why she was like that. Before it got too far, Quicksilver held up a hoof to silence her before speaking in a kind voice that told her it was fine. "Do you remember me Shy? We used to be such close friends back in flight school when we were little fillies." She said, attempting to jog the mare's memory.

"Ah, so good to hear the ancient Librarian is still alive and well. I was worried that perhaps we'd lost one of the wisest and most powerful souls to the Emperor's final call." Joshua replied, his expression one of relief as he eyed Tempest. "And the Holy Chaplain as well...This is most glorious news indeed General." Sensing both Tempest and Luna's reaction, Joshua moved once more to the window and looked out to where he knew Ponyville was. "Those two...We shall need them in order to rescue your sister from the shadowy realms that Chaos has stranded her in. The Holy Chaplain to fight through the massive defenses between them...And Trayclian to crush the Daemon that has possessed her body and soul."

Joshua said no more, he wished not to explain the gruesome process that he'd only seen once before the Librarian conduct. It had been frightening, to see the Librarian so enraged and utilizing the full power he'd gathered over the eons he'd lived. At that time, Joshua feared that the entirety of the sector may be absorbed into the Warp by his rage alone; and yet what scared the Inquisitor the most was it was focused into both his own being and the one he'd fought to free from Chaos's grip. Joshua didn't realize it, but he was gripping now so strongly into the masonry of the windowsill that it had turned to dust before Luna had tapped his shoulder.
"What troubles thee sir Joshua?" She asked, seemingly concerned.

He waved her off, a false smile on his lips as he moved away from the window and began to head for the door to wait. "Nothing...Just...old memories. It'll pass." Shaking his thoughts from the Librarian's power, Joshua spoke up as he stood in the doorway. "We must gather my brethren here Princess, General. Then, soon we must set forth and seek out my Librarian and the Holy Chaplain." His voice was cold, unfeeling as he detached himself from emotion so as to focus on the task at hand and not return to the shadowy world of his memories.

"I will go get them my lady." Tempest said before walking into the shadows and vanishing.

Maximus hadn't moved, he hadn't even twitched, during the two hours they had spent in the forge. Scootaloo was officially bored, yes she was worried about her friend, yes she wanted to learn more about why those guards tried to kill Derpy, but alas, Maximus was done talking. Looking around she smiled faintly at the forge she had come to know so well, she did after all live in the house connected to it as the apprentice to its master. So she decided to walk into the house, she looked back at Derpy and saw Maximus get up and turn around, placing one of his hands on his swords hilt in a defiant stance.

Upon entering the house she smelled smoke, as though a wood fire had been burning, though she knew better and continued to her private room. Opening her door she entered the room without much care, her air fresheners greeting her nose with the scent of daisies. She opened the cabinet mirror on her vanity and pulled out her diary and a pen. She had just started to write about the days events when a booming sound repeated from the forge itself followed by an explosion.

"Die loyalist, wait where did he, gah!" a deep voice called before the distinct sound of a sword going through metal was heard.

"Oh come now chaplain, certainly you have no desire to get involved." a more feminine voice called, though the creature was still the same size as Maximus.

Maximus looked back at Derpy before un-holstering a bolter and killing the purple creature, his helmet had been knocked from his head and Scootaloo could see his face. It was red with a pointy chin, his mouth was open slightly and she could see a forked tongue inside, his eyes were slits and his ears pointed.

"Whoa, now I see why you keep the helmet on big guy." she whispered to herself from the second floor window before hitting her floor to avoid a glowing mess of goo flying towards her that melted the roof above her.

She peeked out of her window again to watch as Maximus ran the other creature through and spat on him after sheathing his blade.

Dashing had at first avoided talking much with Pinkie or assisting her in livening up the decor of the palace with her festive party decorations. He'd originally just remained in silence, pulling out old photos that he always kept with him in a special compartment hollowed out of his armor. There were happy memories here, of his old unit and his best friend and lieutenant Blazing Shield just messing around and having fun together. Others, that which made him smile with a few small tears were of when he was just a little foal; asleep and cradled in his mothers hooves on a cold winter night or flying around the central park in the Crystal Empire with his father. Then there was the picture that showed both him and his mother in the hospital, him just born and being held in his mother and father's embrace. And then there was the photo he'd sworn that his father had been the happiest in of all. The one that was of his and his mother's wedding. Their picture together was said to have been the most beautiful couple in a long time, his mom actually in a Wedding dress that while simple had accentuated her beauty and likely made both Stallions and mares fall head-over-hooves. His Father dressed in his full blues, his best military dress with all his medals and ribbons for his meritorious service in two World Wars. Preserved here forever, these strange little bits of happiness had kept him sane far longer than he'd even imagined possible. Quickly gathering the photos up in one stack, he was about to put them back when Pinkie bounced over and accidentally jarred him. Out of his hooves, the photos fluttered and flew about the room.

"OhmysorryaboutthatDashingIdidn'tmeantodothatIjustwantedtoaskyouwhatthosewere." Pinkie said frantically, although he doubted her emotions were true as he sighed and watched them flutter downward in a spiral to the floor.

"It's...fine Pinkie." He started. Then an idea hit him. "If you help me get them back, I'll let you look at them."

Pinkie instantly gave him an overly ridiculous salute that he actually returned before she giggled and tapped his helmet so it fell over his eyes. "Alright silly billy. Be back in a moment!"

Her voice echoed some around the empty halls with her as he'd predicted true joy. The Captain found himself laughing as he pulled his helm up and off his head so he could see fully and be free of its constraints. Setting it on the table, he looked all around. The photos were nowhere to be seen, and neither was a certain pink mare. Knowing that looking for her wouldn't solve it; and knowing she would return in a moment when she'd looked at the photos Dashing steeled himself for her return as he shook his mane loose from its cramped, matted condition on his head. His eyes were alert and about as he waited for her, but for long minutes she didn't return. He was actually just about to give up waiting when he felt a presence suddenly appearing between his front legs. Looking down, he was met with the conflicted and confused expression he'd expected as Pinkie held up the two photos that showed Rainbow Dash.

"What are these supposed to be Dashing? what do they mean?" She asked "I know that Dash and Tempest are a thing, so I don't understand." She tapped her hoof in thought before disappearing again and reappearing on his back.

He didn't even break a sweat in supporting her weight as he turned his head and met her gaze with his eye. "Those Pinkie...Are of my mother and father." He stated. "You may or may not understand it...but I'm from another Equestria."

"Why do you get so protective of Dashie around anypony?" She asked, as if unsure.

Dashing looked up, his expression fierce before dying down. "I get so protective because I watched her die. I watched as Chrysalis killed her, and I couldn't do anything to save her. Neither could my father, and I lost him the same night. I watched as he went crazy, killing Chrysalis and his own best friend with Sombra and Sin's powers before absorbing her own and disappearing by an escort of Celestial Guard." Dashing was teared up slightly as he relived the horrible years all over again. "I blame myself for what happened that night at the Gala. I couldn't do anything to protect them...and now...I just can't stop wanting to make sure she'll be alright so I can see her smile one last time, hear her laugh." Dashing's smile as rueful as he finished with. "I'd even settle for her berating me....Just to hear her voice is like sweet music I haven't heard in so long."

As he lowered himself and let Pinkie down, he took the photos back and put them in his special compartment over his heart before turning back to face her. Pinkies expression, usually joyful, was more so with a few tears as she hugged him tightly. He returned it, welcoming the affection for a moment before letting go and her as well.

"That was beautiful...sad, but beautiful Dashing. Thank you for sharing those with me." She said.

"No, thank you my friend. I needed that." Dashing replied happily.

"Can you help me with the decorations Dashing?" She asked, changing the topic which he was ecstatic about.

"SurethingPinkie." He said, imitating her enthusiastic, frantic voice for a minute before they both laughed and went about the room. Working together, they were making record time in setting everything up as Dashing flew high above to catch and place the high up decorations.

All the while, neither noticed the fact that Tempest had been sitting in the shadows.

Trayclian nodded faintly as he and Twilight exited the private room they'd been talking in. After he'd brushed off his memories, Twilight had been very concerned for him about what was wrong. Yet like water the Librarian had flown away from the source of his pain and shook away any worries for him with a smile and a few kind words. That was how he'd always done it in his life, never let anyone in to the wasteland that was his mind. Let none share the pain and grief, and always reflect on the outside a positive, calm and fatherly attitude to those around him to help them from suffering the same way he had.

"I thank you again for explaining the situation to me Twilight. Surely I shall do all in my power to bring this realm back to peace as I always have, and restore the balance." He said, looking down at Twilight as they paused before the door back to the main hall where they'd left Pinkie and Dashing.

"I very much appreciate your assistance Librarian Trayclian." She replied, smiling somewhat at his willingness to help them with a problem that wasn't even of his concern.

"It's no trouble really. I am sworn to an oath to protect the innocent until my last breath should be given and I join at long last at the Emperor's side." Trayclian chuckled quietly. "And please, just call me Trayclian Twilight my friend."

Twilight blushed faintly before nodding and turning her attention back to the door. She, though being very inquisitive about what was going on, didn't wish to interrupt just yet as she waited patiently. Both she and Trayclian listening intently, although the latter being able to hear the entire event perfectly clear and even sense where and what was happening between the involved parties. His hand gripped very lightly to his sword, it was natural to do so; despite the fact he felt no hostile feelings from any side he was ready to leap in and defend his close friend from any harm should he need it.

Elizabeth watched as Zecora raced about the room collecting herbs and prepping her cauldron, "I need nothing to end you woes, save the clothing of your daemon foes."

Elizabeth thought a moment before standing up and giving the zebra a nod before walking to the door, "Take care of Telios for me, I do owe him my life twice over, I am the reason he is in this condition." she said before walking out the door.

Zecora looked at the creature who she had just healed known as Telios then looked at the door with a smile before turning back to her new project.

Rekriel was waiting outside tinkering with a new wooden arm that he had constructed.

"Excelent craftsmanship brother." Elizabeth said as she walked up to his side.

"Thank you sister Elizabeth, what is the news?" he replied in his machine voice.

"Telios is still asleep and Zecora is working on a way for us to return to the battle against chaos and the Tyrinids, she said that she needs the clothes of a daemon for it to work." the young sister said as she checked her gear.

"Daemon hunting then, I will follow your lead Elizabeth." Rekriel said before standing up ready to follow her anywhere.

"Let us depart then." she said before waving at Zecora's hut and beginning their march north, it was just a feeling, but she was almost completely sure that chaos was this way, and for once she wanted the foul heretics to show up.

Rekriel remained silent for a long time as he walked behind Elizabeth. Their trek though the forest was a long, rather quiet one for his taste. That was okay though, he enjoyed the peace and solace that the forest provided. Lost he became in his thoughts, mostly they were of technologies he was dreaming of designing and building; but they were also on other things like his brethren back in their realm and Telios here. It took a long time as he stewed in his thoughts under the slowly rising sun on the horizon for him to finally speak up.

"How do you feel about Telios Sister Elizabeth?" His words were matter-of-fact, not to be wasted and brisk as he continued walking. It wasn't until he gently bumped into her that he realized she'd stopped dead in her tracks. "Sister? I just wish to know what you think of him. Your honest opinion, and don't try to lie to me for I can sense one better than a Chaplain."

"He saved me, not once but twice, broke his back and endured much pain for me, the way I see it brother, he is family, I will do all I can to protect my family." Elizabeth said as she remembered her order getting wiped out before her eyes by the Emperors Children.

Rekriel thought long on Elizabeth's words, remaining still as the great trees around him and in the process getting a few small birds to land on his shoulder guards. Though one could not see his face, it was easy to imagine just how carefully and deeply he was thinking about what was said. When he finally did speak, it was slow and considered; every word to be understood clearly. "If you believe that you owe Telios for something Sister, you don't truly know him. I understand why you may think that, but Telios didn't do any of that because of the fact that you would be indebted to him. No, this man is an emotionless, removed, cold hearted bastard; but he does things for very specific reasons. Some may be as simple as protecting an ally, or assassinating a target to preserve the lives of Imperial soldiers; but Telios, what he did for you...It is something he's never done for anyone else before in his entire life. "Seeing Elizabeth's expression, Rekriel elaborated what he meant. "He did what he did out of something I thought was gone from the man...at least...it has been since the Heresy. What I can tell...and perhaps what you haven't taken notice of...is that he risked his life out of love for you. Perhaps he doesn't know what way, neither do you; but I can clearly see just how much he cares for you. For I know that he would never do that for anyone..Not Joshua or Mekrail...Trayclian or myself or Dashing...None of us."

To prove his point, Rekriel turned to the side and leaned his head over, letting his neck be completely visible. The injury that could be seen ran all the way around his neck and showed that it had almost decapitated him "In the last war we had, we were battling an entire Chaos warband of Iron Warriors that was scourging a sector now long lost to Imperial records. Our Company was pinned down, under heavy fire from the Iron Warrior's siege units when suddenly one of their squads was upon us. Their men were equally matching us in melee, and I could only fight off so many by myself when one tackled me and drove his knife through the side of my neck. He intended to rip my head from my shoulders and claim it as a trophy. I called for support over the vox, and when Telios answered he fired a single shot. That shot wasn't to save my life, but only killed the Champion leading the squad. If I hadn't twisted the knife further into my neck, wrenching it from the Traitor's grasp I would be dead and Telios would have cared no more than if a bug had been crushed under his boot." Lowering his helm and returning his focus back to Elizabeth, Rekriel finished with. "Do you understand just how special you are to Telios? He was willing to risk his life and bring injury upon his own body just to keep you safe when anyone else; even those of us he's known for centuries he would sacrifice for the mission."

Turning away, Rekriel shook the birds from his shoulders and began walking through the thick forest in he direction she'd indicated previously. He wished to allow her to stew in his words before speaking with her again, for it was indeed a lot to absorb about his old friend.

That left Elizabeth with her thoughts, love, she was part of the Adeptus Soritus, a group of female warriors equal to that of the Adeptus Astartes, and an assassin loved her. She had been standing there so long that the same birds that had gathered on Rekriel had gathered on top of her armor, but she didn't care, one word repeated in her mind, love.

Reginald stopped running as the mix and matched xeno fell to pieces and reformed before his eyes, the xeno only spoke once he had placed his eyes back into their sockets.

"Hello my good sir, what brings you these part if I may ask?" the draconess asked.

"A mishap with the Warp brought me and a Lord Inquisitor to this planet, he seemed to know it, I do not." Reginald replied as he began to ease, knowing he had nothing to fear from this xeno as the ponies seemed to shimmer and shine when they came into their clearing.

"My name is Discord, the spirit of chaos and disharmony, though now I tend to help ponies and make life much more fun for them by making them happy." the mix and matched dragon said.

Reginald upon hearing that he belong to chaos initially was alarmed but looked at the ponies who had just saved, realizing that Discord is a great ally Reginald stuck his lance in the ground before putting out his right hand, "I am Chapter Master Reginald of the Blood Raptors, Daemon Hunter and protector of the innocent."

Discord shook his hand and vanished, leaving his hand behind as it shook with Reginald, as he spoke with a guard pony in silvery blue armor that glimmered in the sunlight, "We must get these ponies back to Equestria, they should be safe there."

"Very well, lead the way spirit." Reginald said as he picked up his power lance and followed behind the group.

Mekrail laid in peaceful rest. Since the Blood Raven and his friend and gone off to seek out Nitronus, the Prince had ensured his comfort by ordering a few of the palace's staff to assist him in getting to the infirmary. Now in a proper bed, his tired body was relaxed, yet the phantom pains of his previous injuries promised to hang on for a while. Such it was, more so just a deep throbbing ache in his neck and a migraine that felt like it could split mountains; but Mekrail didn't complain or cry out in pain. It wouldn't do good to be seen as weak, not even in front of Blueblood; whom was seated at his side. The Prince had simply been watching him, as he'd promised earlier he would not leave his side. Although it felt a little odd to the marine, he didn't mind the company; no matter how annoying he'd been in his own realm this one seemed to be a genuine friend. Though, there were a few times when Mekrail did have to quietly get on the Prince's case for being annoying and snobbish to the ponies helping himself or other patients. Generally though, Blueblood's near-death experience seemed to have changed him almost completely.

"How are you faring friend?" Blueblood asked out of the blue, turning to him.

Mekrail appeared in thought for a moment before answering with a slight smile. "I am well Prince Blueblood, much better than before. Thank you for asking."

Blueblood smiled some before looking away, himself also in thought. "That's good..." It was a long time of silence before he spoke up again. "Why did you do it?" Mekrail gave him a confused look, to which the Prince asked another question "I mean, why did you come to save me? I likely didn't deserve to be spared...I was so awful to this...Nitronus as you called him."

Mekrail was taken aback slightly at these questions. Why had he done what he did? Saved this pony that he cared not for? His answer, he found deeply embedded within the very heart and soul of his being; his oath that he'd pledged to the Dark Angels and Humanity as a whole before becoming a Space Marine. "Because my duty is to protect the innocent, no matter who or what they may be. I swore it upon my life that I would never break that oath, that I would ensure the innocent were not harmed by anyone or anything. If I break that oath, I am nothing...my life would be nothing. And you my friend, are indeed innocent and undeserving of death." Mekrail fell silent, no more need to explain as he turned away slightly from Blueblood.

"I...I..." Blueblood seemed to struggle for his words. "I...I've never heard anypony speak so strongly about such a thing as an oath...Such an attitude...a mindset...it inspires me...to want to be like you."

"And you can be like me Blueblood my friend. You must simply find something to devote yourself to...and honor that oath until your death if necessary." Mekrail said, returning his attention for just a moment before yawning as a tiredness he'd known only once before begged him to rest.

His eyes slowly closing, he was almost completely asleep as he caught the end of Blueblood's whisper. "Then my oath...I choose to devote myself to...is you my friend."

Still stroking the mane of his new friend the Champion sighed before closing his eyes, "I know nothing but war, I seldom ever speak unless it is to pass on final words to a worthy opponent." Nitronus said before opening his eyes and standing, "I worry for my closest brothers and my dearest sister, we are not often separated and worse yet it was by chaos." he finished, looking straight at the Blood Raven in front of him.

"Don't let your worries get to you Champion, if your brothers and sister are warriors worthy of your friendship than they will be fine." Karlous stated before looking at Quicksilver and Fluttershy who were now standing of to the side talking, the latter blushing furiously.

"I admit that I made a mistake, I let my anger take hold." Nitronus said looking away and towards his shield, "I don't expect you to understand my mentality brother."

Karlous felt somewhat insulted, yet he knew that the Champion didn't know his own history and was right to make such an assumption that he could not understand. Moving closer to Nitronus, the Sergeant paused before the sword and shield. How long it had been since he'd seen such a stark work of beauty in dedication to the Imperium of Man.

With his eyes transfixed on that Aquila, he finally spoke up. "Anger is such a thing that which is only human my dear friend. We all are inherently human, though mankind casts us as Demigods in the guise of their form. It is what we choose to do with our anger that defines us. Are we mere savages, unleashing our rage upon the helpless, the weak? Or do we take our rage and use it to bring a righteous fury down upon the enemies of Man?" Karlous paused, and without waiting for permission he drew the sword from the ground and held it in a firm grip. He could feel deeply embedded emotions swirling from many long years, trapped and kept within the spirit of this machine of war. The rage, anger, grief. It showed more plainly than Nitronus would ever admit as he spoke up again. "I do understand you Champion Nitronus, more than you could ever know. For I have fell victim myself to my own anger, and I've seen just what it can cost me."

As the Sergeant relinquished the blade back to its owner, he placed his free hand on Nitronus's shoulder guard and with his Warp power that he could muster he showed just what he'd truly lost. The entirety of the Blood Ravens Chapter, both the secretly Chaotic side under Chapter Master Azariah Kyras and the Loyalists under Captain Gabriel Angelos. He showed him of how he'd watched the chapter be split apart in civil war, the entire system ripped into blood and death as Chaos and Xenos pillaged and battled with the Imperial forces. It was then that he showed the final battle; where his own forces of the First Company were battling against the might of Kyras's Chaotic army. They both saw as his Terminator brothers were butchered mercilessly by the onslaught of Daemons and Fallen Blood Ravens, and of how he was the last standing when Captain Angelos and Diomedes arrived and did battle with the foul Traitorous Chapter Master and his forces. Finally, there was the showcase of him as the Loyalists turned on him and declared him a Heretic; believing he'd fought for Chaos when the opposite was true. He had to fight, plowing through hundreds of his brothers as they blasted Bolters and hot plasma at him before he finally boarded the Thunderhawk that had crashed and fled into deep space.

"I lost my entire world that day brother...My entire Company was dead and I was declared a Traitor because of doing my duty to the Chapter and fighting that fool Kyras. I had no one to turn to...only my rage to keep me company...my rage at my own Chapter for its crimes and heresies...and for being cast out when both myself and my brethren bled and died to protect those still loyal. I hated every Xeno and Chaos with an intense passion...and I still despise Chaos to this day...But my rage has quieted with time and the realization that not all Xenos or those afflicted by dark forces are evil like Kyras was....So..Yes...I understand your feelings Champion...but just remember that it is how we act upon those feelings that matters most." Karlous didn't know it, but he was looking especially over Nitronus's shoulder to Quicksilver before shaking himself away from the Champion and watching him intently.

Nitronus took his blade and gazed into the eyes of this Blood Raven, he was right, Nitronus had more in common with him than he thought. Looking upward towards the sky he said a silent prayer of thanks before looking back to the sergeant, "Thank you brother, for clearing my mind." he said before retching onto the lower left of his breastplate and removing a purity seal, "You deserve this more than I." he added and without waiting placed it on the Blood Ravens left shoulder guard.

"Thank you champion." Karlous replied, not expecting this action.

"May the Emperor protect you always sergeant." Nitronus said before walking back to retrieve his shield.

"The Emperor always has..." Karlous whispered, barely loud enough for the Champion to hear. "But may the Emperor be with you Champion." He said, louder now before turning his gaze to Quicksilver and Fluttershy. He smiled faintly as his close friend seemed to be very happy to have met one of her oldest friends again; likewise it was for Fluttershy, who was smiling.

"It has been so good to see you after all these years Shy. I really wondered what had happened to one of my few friends after school was over." Quicksilver said, her eyes turning from Fluttershy to her friend as a deep, happy smile showed. "This...Is Karlous, Shy. He's the one who saved me from those evil soldiers and creatures I was telling you about back in the wastes. He kept me safe and warm and healed my wounds, he was just like you are to the animals Shy...So gentle and kind and caring."

Quicksilver's smile grew shy in its own right and she pawed the ground while looking down slightly as Karlous spoke up. "It is nice to meet you Miss Shy, is it?" Raising out a hand for her to take, he could sense her shyness around him and knew the gesture was for naught; yet he'd done it anyway just to test otherwise as he lowered his hand to his side again and continued to smile lightly at her. "So from what I understand you and Quicksilver must go way back, don't you two?" He asked to Fluttershy.

Yet all in the same time, Karlous was thinking of the words he needed to share with Nitronus before they left here as he watched the Champion out of the corner of his eye. He had retrieved his shield, and now was waiting for them patiently by the door.

Tempest had heard plenty, his wife to be was Dashing's mother, but how, aside from that lousy pegasus Soarin she had never dated anypony before him. Walking out of the shadows Pinky noticed him almost in an instant, though thinking about it, that seemed off considering that he has never snuck up on her before.

"Oh hello there Tempest, how are you?" she said as confetti went everywhere.

"Princess Luna needs the other warriors, Trayclian, Maximus, and Dashing ASAP." he said before turning to Dashing.

"Trayclian is still talking to Princess Twilight and Maximus is exploring the town general." the captain replied.

"Go find him, and quickly, we have no time to waste!" Tempest said before turning around to see the doors open and Twilight and Trayclian step out.

"Tempest, what is going on?" the alicorn asked.

"Need to know only, by orders of Princess Luna." he said before walking through the shadows again.

"I should go get Maximus Princess." Dashing said with a bow before running out of the room.

"And I suppose that I should remain here." Trayclian added as he inspected the decor around him.

Dashing didn't waste time as he rushed through the hallways, cutting down corridors until he came to the door that he and the others had entered from. Flinging it open, he quickly braced his body before leaping into the air. The air around him caught fire as his speed increased and left an arcing trail to follow as he sped through the air. He knew that easily he was matching his mother in speed, which made him grin as his training for all those years had paid off. With his eyes scanning the town, he knew that the ponies all in the streets were looking up in slight confusion and pointing in his direction. He waved at them, flashing his smile before returning his attention to scanning. It didn't take too long, as he'd sensed something amiss in Ponyville as soon as he'd left the castle. Seeing the forge, and the damage it had suffered; he decided this was the best place to start looking. Coming down swiftly, he sharply hauled up and used his wing power to slow his descent just before touching the ground. His landing, as he'd known, was perfect. As he got a closer look, he could tell a pretty good fight had been had here as he observed all the damage and the butchered bodies. Luckily, he recognized none of them as Maximus as he slowly moved to the smashed-open door.

His first sight as he entered was of Maximus, his sword still drawn and in a defensive stance as though expecting more attackers. Yet, when he locked eyes with the former Captain, his expression grew confused. Not only was he confused about Dashing being here, but he was likely trying to figure out why Dashing hadn't drawn his weapon and tried to slay the Holy Chaplain for his overall Daemonic features. Instead, the Captain merely sighed softly as he looked all around and saw Scootaloo and Derpy; the latter of which was still unconscious but slowly stirring.

Returning his gaze to Maximus, Dashing once more took off his helm and stared dead in the Holy Chaplain's eyes before removing the patch covering where his right eye would be. The black void that held within it but a single, blood red pupil that glowed bright in the darkness was watching him as well. Around it, just barely edging out now that the magical patch that contained it was removed; there was cracks of pure darkness in his skin that spread about halfway across his face before pausing as he halted its progress. The skin there became grey, hallowed and dead; and his skull was visible around the edges of that eye as he finally spoke up. "You may think I don't understand why you look the way you do Holy Chaplain, but I do. You and I...*Laughs*...We're both in the same boat. Having to hide our darker sides, although for different reasons I'm sure." Quickly, Dashing replaced the patch over his eye and the transformation receded near instantly back into the eye and returned him to normal as he continued speaking. "Mine is not for what anypony would think of me...but for the destructive power that becoming that other...darker version of myself can bring."

Dashing paused as he shifted his gaze around, once more taking in the sight of the dead Daemons and Chaos soldiers around them. "What happened here exactly? Scoots, can you tell me why Daemons of Chaos are here and trying to attack the three of you?"

"Maximus didn't say why, but he told me that they were after Derpy." Scootaloo said, looking at the two soldiers in front of her.

Maximus had sheathed his blade and was now picking his helmet up from across the forge, seeing that it was too hot to put on his head he dunked it in water and turned back to the ponies around him.

"Why are they after her Chaplain?" Dashing asked.

Maximus sighed before opening a small warp next to him and pulling out another talking piece of metal. After pressing a slew of buttons it spoke once more in the same odd accent with that same odd mares voice, "In my travels two ponies have always been more attuned to the warp than any others, Pinky Pie, and Derpy Hooves." the little square spoke.

"That would explain the muffins." Dashing said, looking towards Derpy who was now starting to stir.

"It would stand to reason that they would be the most adept to detect chaos, therefore I would imagine Tzeench would want them out of the way." the device replied after Maximus typed on it for a few moments.

"So the forces of chaos wish to infiltrate this world and conquer it it, but why?" Dashing asked, though he was now watching as Derpy sat up facing away from them.

Maximus put his helmet back on after drying it so that he wouldn't freak the mare out with his demonic face before he started typing again.

"How am I alive?" Derpy said as she put a hoof to her head.

"Maximus saved you after he saved me in the ally, then we were attacked again but he fought them all off without mercy." Scootaloo said, pointing her hoof at the great warrior.

"Okay so we know why they have attacked, and have a theory on why they are here, but why haven't they just taken over by force, what do they hope to accomplish by taking over slowly?" Dashing asked now turning back to Maximus who was looking straight at him.

"They want to corrupt the ponies and use them, granted that they have powerful magics on this world they don't want to risk the loss of such power." he let his text to speak device say before he threw it into another warp.

"Coming from you, I'm not going to question it, but that means that Derpy isn't the only one in jeopardy here, Pinky Pie is too." Dashing replied.

Maximus shook his head before walking past the pegasus in armor, he only stopped when he reached the doorway. Turning his head back so you could see the profile of his helm he put one thumb down while he pointed at the pink mare who was just leaving the castle, his sign for heresy.

Dashing's eye followed the Holy Chaplain's finger, his expression turning slightly sad as he remembered the moment he'd shared shortly before coming here. The fact that Maximus had pointed her out as already having been enraptured by the offers of the Warp and that she wasn't truly her right now didn't bode well for the shell-shocked Captain's mental stability. This was proven as his grief changed several times, fading between rising anger and despair as the two clashed in his mind; his darker powers attempting to overcome the magic and nearly succeeding in doing so as his body would phase between forms. His skeletal form underneath the armor shocking and frightening, his golden eye turning that same sickly red and his large wings becoming sharper and more jagged hat the finest blades as they turned to bone. Dark robes tried to form over him, slightly masking his body but not quite as he continued to war with his own mind over what to do. Eventually though, he managed to tide over his anger and despair long enough to regain control and dispersed the powers before they caused him to do things he'd regret. He didn't look to any of them, but instead emerged quickly from the forge and passing by Maximus.

His heart intent and set, he would not let this stand as he gave a long glance back at the Holy Chaplain; his eye flashed that red again and he whispered in a deep, powerful and gravelly voice that was not his own. "Leave her to me Maximus. I shall handle her and ensure that the Daemon is purged from her. You however, are needed here. Remain and protect Scoots and Derpy." His last sentence was an order, and his eye dared the Holy Chaplain to deft him before he turned away. His final words were in his own voice. "I will not let her die. I've let too many die already and she shall not suffer for my failure." With the same speed as before, he shot off and left not just any fire in his wake as he sped through the sky; but this was fire of pure darkness that didn't cease burning and even from within the forge its intense heat could be felt as though it were right next to them.

Pinky bounced up and down as she strode down the road from the castle to the bakery greeting everypony along the way.

"Good afternoon Rainbow Dash!" she said with massive grin as she began to pull something out of he mane where Rainbow couldn't see it.

Rainbow looked at her and began to fly over, landing at a decent distance away, "What’s up Pinky?" she asked with her head tilted to one side.

Neither of the two suspected that a pony in golden armor would blaze out of the sky and create a devastating black fire ball upon impact with the ground not ten meters away.

In what was once the road between Rainbow and Pinkie, Dashing was crouched in the deep crater that he'd caused. Fire was still burning all around him black and unquenchable as it reached out almost like tendrils to the road still ringing the crater. There was a deep vibe emanating from him, an aura all its own of darkness that radiated anger, feelings of betrayal and promising a fate worse than death as he rose. His full height now revealed as he towered over both Pinkie and Rainbow easily from the depths of the crater, his dark form only revealing some of his true self as his head slowly turned; slowly, with a frightening visage that was his face as his one eye shined that same blood color and eyed Pinkie. Seeing the knife she'd started to remove with a sight impossible by normal ponies or people around him, his expression twisted sharply into one that was a snarling, feral animal that was prepared to protect those it cared about to the death. He stepped out of the crater, at an almost leisurely pace as he stood at least twice their height now in full view and stretched his wings; this revealed them to be made of that sharp bone now that Maximus and the others had seen previously as they spread across the entirety of the road's width. His eye never blinked, only maintaining a steady gaze that latched onto the party pony as he moved toward her. His tracks where he'd stepped left flames of darkness, and he paused quickly after being just a few paces away from her.

His voice once more was ancient, powerful and full of undisguised hatred as he spoke only loud enough for both Pinkie and Rainbow to hear. "We had hoped that We could convince thee otherwise Pinkamena Diane Pie...To cleanse thy Daemons from thy body and forsake their ways of blood and malice and hate." His expression shifted slightly as he took a step closer, and before Pinkie could back up from the very road behind her two horrible, bloody, bony soldiers dressed in the rags of their uniforms from World War ll clawed their way out and blocked her way with bayonet tipped M1 Carbines pointed to her back. "Thee hast not only lost thy chance for redemption in our eyes...But thee had the audacity to actually attempt to harm our Host's mother?" The question was confirmed when a dark aura suddenly overpowered Pinkie and ripped the knife from her mane and held it in the air where Rainbow could see it. he didn't look back, not for a moment to see her reaction to either what he'd said nor the knife as he continued speaking. "For this...We can only think of the most severe punishment for thee....A fate worse than any death we could give unto thee."

Without waiting for anything further, the two soldiers suddenly slammed their rifles together in front of Pinkie and held her with their Carbine's bayonets gently prodding her throat as though to dare her to attempt escape from their iron grip. Their bloody, scarred and ripped flesh that was their faces contorted in sick smiles as they began to chant in a language long lost to time by mortals. It was the words of Death himself, and it seemed that with every word the aura from Dashing permeated the air even further and encased all around the group; the flames reached as well for that, but they couldn't stretch far enough as Dashing left the aura just light enough to be seen into from the outside. His hooves gripped tightly to either side of Pinkie's face, holding her so she couldn't escape his gaze as his other eye was made visible by the patch being raised up. He stared at her intently, his jaw opening wider than should be possible before snapping shut inches from her snout. "Hungry....after so many years...We are so hungry." He whispered in that voice that both enraptured and repulsed those who could hear it.

Quickly, his eyes grew far more intense and a power conferred to him by his family line was activated as he opened his jaw again. This time, a void was able to be seen by Pinkie in that cave of darkness; a void that promised non-existence for eternity and everlasting pain for those who entered. That was when the screams started, but it wasn't Pinkie screaming, not her voice. This was the shrill, frightened scream of the Daemon as slowly its very essence and soul was sucked from her body as he made sure she kept her gaze locked with his so to keep the process going. And within an instant, it was over. He stared now into a blank gaze of a pony who still lived, yet until her soul was found and given to her body she would be merely just a shell of a creature that blindly would follow his orders with nearly no personality or feelings. He let her go, and she just stood and stared blankly back at him as though nothing had happened.

His soldiers, releasing her, stood at attention before saluting him promptly and then burrowing back into the earth; the ground returned to normal to leave no trace as Dashing slowly closed his jaw and returned to some normalcy with his form and body normal except for his height. His powers once again locked away within behind the magic patch as he settled it over his one eye. He didn't say anything to Pinkie, deciding that seeing what Rainbow was feeling and taking what he'd done to protect her as his one golden eye settled on her with an almost fearful gaze of her judgement about him.

Elizabeth began walking in the path Rekriel left behind, she had forgotten how much time had past, her mind had been fully set upon thoughts of Telios who she had mixed feelings about. Yes he was amazing in combat and loyal to his cause, almost to a fault, but she was a sister of battle she can't just go back on her oath. Elizabeth just hoped that she wouldn't break him, but her order is dead, the Blood Raptor Chapter Master proclaimed so himself.

She stopped in her tracks and looked up, before her floating in the sky was a cloud formation that looked a lot like a city.

"Well howdy stranger." a equine with a country draw spoke to her.

"Greetings, how is that a city?" Elizabeth asked pointing up to the cloud formation with rainbow waterfalls.

"That there is Cloudsdale lady." The brown pony in the skull cap replied as he pushed his wagon marked with three bullets in a circle to a halt on the top of the hill next to her.

"What do you have there, um?" she asked him.

"Oh this, its just ammo, oh and the names Bulls-Eye, the best shot you'll find in these here parts, aside maybe Tempest." the stallion said.

"Battle Sister Elizabeth of the Blood Raptors." she replied looking at his wares, among which he surprisingly had bolter rounds.

"Lookin to buy somthin?" the light brown stallion asked as he popped open a bottle of whiskey.

"I have no money to purchase anything with." Elizabeth replied as she realized she only had four rounds left and that her brothers may have even less munitions.

"That's alright, tell ya what, we'll do a trade, services fer goods." Bulls-Eye bargained with a look at the hides she was carrying on her belt.

"How many crates of bolter ammo would my six wolf hides buy?" she asked.

"I'll give you half the cart and throw in a bolter too." The old stallion replied with a smile.

"You have a deal." Elizabeth said as she handed him the hides as he sorted out her goods.

"Pleasure doin business with ya Ms. Elizabeth." he replied as his sipped his whiskey bottle.

With a nod Elizabeth stowed her new gear and walked back into the woods to find Rekriels trail he had left her, her previous thoughts put to rest as ideas of how they had a city made of clouds and how much they could learn from these xenos flooded her mind.

Rekriel had been waking through the woods for a long time, his servo-saws cutting a wide path ahead of him through the dense foliage as he moved so as to provide Elizabeth a path to follow. For a while, he knew she'd been drowning in her thoughts of what he'd said; and he'd sensed she'd veered away from this well-beaten path as he'd not heard a single sound from behind him for about an hour or so. However, when she returned he knew instantly she was there as the crunch of the cut moss underfoot gave her away. He paused in his diligent work, knowing that they needed to talk as he turned around to face her.

"So I see you have found some ammo and even a blessed Bolter Battle Sister?" He asked. When she nodded and explained how she had acquired the provisions and weapon, he listened patiently. He wasn't the least bit surprised about Cloudsdale, a city he himself had observed so many times. "I am glad you were able to secure such things from this Bulls-Eye Sister Elizabeth, for you were starting to run low on ammunition if I recall correctly and I know what a pain it is to go into battle under-equipped." He laughed some as he looked in the direction she'd emerged from. "Cloudsdale...That's a city I haven't seen cloud or wisp of in about five-thousand years or so. I was a younger man then, we all were of course. I remember helping to rebuild and redesign that floating city after we came back from the second Equestrian war with the corrupted Princess, Celestia."

Rekriel didn't say more as he returned to cutting through the thick forest. For a long time he didn't speak, returning to the routine of the work. But when he did, he finally viced the true question on his mind as he continued to work. "So what is your thoughts on Telios now that you've had time to consider what he feels for you?"

Telios had bee unconscious for a long time. He didn't know in exact hours or minutes, but it was too long as his eyes slowly opened to reveal he was laying on his back on a cot obviously not designed for one of his size. Instinctively, his hands went to his back to check for injury; which to his surprise he found none and felt no real pain. All that remained was a deep soreness that seemed to permeate his entire body as he sat up on the cot. He stretched, yawning quietly so as to not awaken the other occupant that laid stretched out on her own cot a few feet away. It was Zecora.

'That's right, I remember now.' The Assassin thought. 'It's all fuzzy right now...But Rekriel and Elizabeth brought me here to be healed of my injuries from that Hydra.'

Telios looked about, seeing they were nowhere to be found within the hut; nor did he hear a single sound outside besides the calming hum of the turrets as they scanned the wilderness around them. They were gone, and Telios couldn't help but feel worry for the Battle Sister as he rose on silent feet and moved without sound to a wall that his rifle leaned on. As he gathered his equipment, he couldn't help blushing as a few thoughts about Elizabeth ran through his head. Shouldering his rifle, he looked to Zecora with his blush fading as he left without a word; the only sign of his presence was a small knife in the wall that held a note of thanks to the Zebra for healing him a promise to repay her when he could.

With speed and diligence, he easily could tell which way they'd set off from as it held trampled brush and deep footprints followed by smaller ones. There was also the slashed moss on he ground, which the Assassin gave a faint smile as he whispered to himself while setting off at a quick pace to catch up. "I'm on my way brother Rekriel...Elizabeth." Again he blushed at even the mention of her name.

Reginald watched as Discord helped an elderly pony cross a stream before he summoned a glass of chocolate milk for a much younger pony.

"Please try and keep up Reginald, we are almost to a settlement where I can secure faster transport to Canterlot for you and the ponies, since you have so graciously offered to escort them all the way." Discord went on as Reginald got stuck in the river that the ponies had just crossed.

"Lend a hand spirit?" Reginald asked as he tossed his power lance to shore and held his hand out.

"Perhaps you could use a tad." snapping his claw Discord's paw detached itself and helped Reginald out of his sinking predicament before returning to the rest of its body.

Picking up his lance he quickly caught up with the group, "Thank you spirit, the ground her his a bit soft, especially for the like of myself and my brothers."

"Ah yes, I would suppose so." Discord laughed as he popped into a tree ahead, "Congratulations ponies and Chapter Master, welcome to Appaloosa!"

A single, light gold pony was caught from his usual routine in Appaloosa by the sight of so many ponies approaching. This pony smiled as he began to gallop towards the mass, his cowboy hat nearly flying off his head and his vest fluttering in the breeze around him as did his gamboge and amber mane. Despite the tiredness he could see in the crowd, some of them seeming to be somewhat injured, he greeted them in a hearty tone. "Welcome ta Appaloosa everypony!"

When he saw Discord, his expression faltered for a second before brightening again as he continued. "Discord! Mah old friend! Sure is good ta see ya again!" Not waiting for a response, he turned back to the crowd and saw Reginald standing nearby. "My oh my Discord, ya brought a big feller with ya this time." Holding out a hoof to the Chapter Master, he spoke in a happy voice. "Mah name's Braeburn friend. What's yours?"

"I am Chapter Master Reginald of the Blood Raptors." Reginald said, reaching down and taking Braeburn's hoof in his hand and shaking gently.

"Well then Mr. Reginald...Ah suppose ya'll are really tired after such ah long trek hm?" Braeburn asked as he turned his eyes to the streaming crowd of ponies heading for the town. "Well, we ain't got much round here, but ah'll make sure O' it that these 'ere ponies ah taken care of fer ya." Rushing off to town, Braeburn raised his voice so all the townsponies could hear him as explained the situation.

Within minutes, everypony in town was coming out of their homes and helping the displaced refugees into their homes as Braeburn finished with. "Yawl stay 'ere as long as ya like! Ya need yer rest after such ah long trek so just rest fer today everypony an tomorrow ah'll speak with tha railroad company ter arrange yawl some transport ta Canterlot!"

Braeburn then turned to a young mare with her colt that was near Discord and Reginald and he smiled some as he gestured for them follow him. "Ah'll help yawl get settled in fer tha day. Follow me." Looking to Discord and Reginald, he gestured for them as well before turning away and heading into town to get to his home.