Chapter: 8

Since having suffered the injuries in due part with healing Eclipse, Mekrail had been resting against the ancient Thunderhawk's damaged cockpit. For the moment, his pain was subsiding; to which he was thankful for. There was not only that which comforted him, but his companion Blueblood that had long since taken to his side sat beside him. A gentle tune, he hummed; his voice faintly melodic and soothing to the old marine's ears as he relaxed, breathing deeper and easier.

From within, he could also hear the rummaging of his two friends; metal being shifted aside and hushed, loving words of encouragement. For a few minutes, this went on; until the sound of their steps drew to the side door once again and they emerged. The old Captain was surprised momentarily to see the towering, heavily armored form that now stood with his love cradled against his chest. Karlous was indeed a sight to see now; as he smiled down at Quicksilver, who rested in the grip of a Power Fist that nearly engulfed her small frame. Held with reverence in his left gauntlet was a masterfully crafted storm bolter that gleamed in the soft light. Inscribed across his massive chestplate were names; the names, of the entirety of the Blood Ravens First Company that had perished as Quicksilver flew up to eye level and shared a kiss with him. This brought a smile to Mekrail, to see love flourishing for the younger Sergeant made him happy; and yet all the same he was somewhat saddened as murky memories he couldn't quite remember flashed in his mind. He shook them away quickly though, and instead watched as the Blood Raven moved with Quicksilver flying beside him over to Joshua and...."That honorless scum." He thought to himself about the Blood Raptor as the three communed with the Lord Inquisitor about perhaps scavenging some weapons and armor he had accumulated within the Thunderhawk's hold.

Before long, words from that same Alicorn and the Princess caught his attention. The two, whom anyone could guess were madly in love with one another, were still embracing tightly and whispering softly to each other. Comforting one another, since they had almost lost one another to the two sisters that sat upon their thrones and were discussing important war matters.

At last, it came time for Mekrail to try and stand strong once again. However, as he did so he caught a hint of worry in his young friend's eyes as the Prince looked up at him. "Are you sure Mekrail? You don't seem like you're recovered yet." He said, making the Dark Angel chuckle quietly in response.

"Yes." He replied, "I am strong enough to walk about on my own." As he rose, he wanted to grimace at putting the full stresses on his weakened body; but he held firm and stood straight as Blueblood watched. "Although, if you're so worried friend; I suppose I wouldn't mind you being close to me in case I should fall." This clearly set the Prince's mind at ease as he smiled and joined his close friend at his side.
Nodding faintly to his old friend Joshua, Mekrail gestured to the courtyard that sat beyond the massive front doors as he walked alongside Blueblood. Joshua nodded faintly in response, continuing his conversation with the Terminator Sergeant about perhaps putting his old power armor back into use with the Inquisitor's power pack source to take the place of the backpack Nitronus now wore.

The doors were eased open by guards without comment; to which the Marine and Prince promptly thanked them before continuing on as they descended the worn stone steps that had seen so many other feet before over the ages. With this, the Captain found peace outside; the air was cool and crisp against his skin and blew his long hair just faintly as he smiled and took a sniff of the sweet breeze. It carried with it the many plants scents from the garden across the way, and a few birds were chirping delightful songs as Blueblood admired the simple beauty and elegance of this place of nature. "Now I see why you wanted to walk." He whispered, "Because this is just perfect."

"Indeed." Mekrail answered, "There is no finer place I'd rather be to recover than among that which reminds me so much of home."

"Home?" Blueblood asked, "What do you mean by home?"

His query was curious, innocent; so the Captain decided he could indulge as his eyes looked to the skies above. "My home, it was a glorious place. The Plains World, a place that was covered in lush fields and thickets of forest across its surface. Massive lakes and oceans all about where the land gave way, and both modern industrial Hive-Cities to the smallest of Imperial Villages. I heralded from one such village, long since lost to the ages as its people were conscripted into the Imperial Guard or taken into my Chapter as Initiates. It, was a quaint place; filled with hard working people that slaved the fields day by day to ensure we were all fed and well kept for the future. I myself worked in the local Militia, keeping the village safe from wild animals, occasional raiders, or themselves." Mekrail sighed as he breathed another sweet breath, "But I was a younger man then, and now so many thousands of years old I long for those days; but I also make peace with the fact that I have a new family now, in my Chapter."

"Fascinating Mekrail." Blueblood said, "It's a story so different from my own upbringing, and one that again aspires me to become like you."
The Prince smiled up at his friend as the Marine nodded before suddenly getting a very serious look. Blueblood grew confused at this look, not understanding the severity of what was about to happen as the Dark Angel sensed the very Chaotic forces that seeped around them. Gripping his sword tightly, Mekrail prepare to fend off the coming attack as he gestured for Blueblood to remain close for protection.
"Mekrail? What's going on?" The Prince asked worriedly, looking around at the dangerous auras of purple energy that emanated within the cloves of plants and bushes.

All it took was the single word, and the swift slice of his blade as the first of many leapt from the warp energy at them. "Chaos."

What attacked them now, in droves that never seemed to cease were Possessed Chaos Space Marines. These already deadly, traitorous warriors had taken within their very bodies and souls Daemons; thus granting them incredible strength and speed and cunning. Yet at the same time, they were horrifying to see from their mutations by the Daemon to suit its needs. Tentacles, barbed gauntlets, mutated distorted faces that hissed and revealed rows of blood caked teeth. Their armor cracked and bloodied, they charged and hacked and clawed at him; all seeking to end his life as they sensed his weakness. They scored many a hit, making the Dark Angel stagger and nearly fall to his knees; but it was the effort of Blueblood that kept him afoot as he lashed out at his attackers with all the fury of the Lion. Dozens were dead, piled around him like sandbags to a fortified position as he fought doggedly on against the odds to protect his friend. Even though he knew it was futile, as more and more poured forth and harassed him heavily with their claws and even a few bolt shots from the bolt pistols some carried in their hands. They were weakening him up, wearing him down; and within minutes he was to his knees again as his sword was savagely kicked away and he was forced to fight with only his fists. But he still did fight, hard and strong as he deflected claws with his Necrodermis bionic arm and dealt harsh blows with his normal fist that slew those that approached.

Glancing back, Mekrail knew he couldn't keep them off anymore as he met his friend's gaze and looked to the clear way to the main doors. "Go!" He shouted, "I'll hold them off! You need to get out of here, now!"

Blueblood shook his head, both out of fear for his friend and the courage he expressed as he stood his ground to the end. "No. I promised you that I'd be at your side through thick and thin and I'm not going to break that promise now; not in the face of any adversity, no matter how strong." He planted himself at Mekrail's side, keeping him from hitting the ground as he whispered, "I'm standing with you, wherever you go or through whatever fate brings us."

Mekrail actually smiled, words of how brave his friend was on his lips and of how good a friend he had been; but that was when his eyes drifted to one Possessed Marine. This one wielded a Lascannon, gripped in one hand and aimed straight for the Prince's heart. It was in that instant, that moment, that the Captain summoned what remained of his strength to move as he stepped solidly in front of the shot and grimaced in pain as it pierced his chest. The agony was not unlike what he had felt before, but as the three next shots rang out the pain dulled to nothing as he fell back and hit the ground. His chest destroyed, searing holes gaping through to the stones below as blood filtered into a pool; his left leg sustaining the same as he coughed and spluttered blood.

Blueblood was instantly at his side, ignoring the Chaotic forces around him as he tightly gripped his bionic hand and cradled his head gently in the other. He was sobbing, tears staining his fur along with blood that Mekrail coughed onto his face. The power armor that had held firm for so many thousands of years, now had given up at long last as it registered the destruction of most of his implants and organs; that included his Black Carapace, as his armor disconnected from his body and essentially left him to die.

The Lascannon shot was supposed to come next for the Prince, and yet it never did. Instead, there were the horrible screeching sounds of the Daemon Marines death cries as it was being ripped apart. Malicious cackles, mad cackles, followed. As though reveling in the slaughter, and yet also crying out in damnation to the Chaotic forces as they were brutally murdered by what sounded like claws. "I will peel the armor from your skin and the flesh from your bones! This garden shall be watered by your blood foul Daemon brothers!"

Mekrail could barely see, his vision filled with black spots as his body slowly died; but what he did manage to catch a glimpse of was the massive armored form of what resembled a Terminator, but only just. Festooned with bloodied spikes and skins of fallen enemies, its armor was befouled and swirled with the aura of Chaos. Coated in blood, the insignia that shone proudly on its shoulder guard was that of the World Eaters Chaos Legion. His face was covered by a spiked helm, custom crafted to resemble an ancient Knight's as he continued to hack and slash through his own Chaotic brethren with Lightning Claws. "Die! DIE! DIE! Blood! More Blood!" Again the Terminator cackled, spewing his hate and rage into his strikes until only one remained.

The Lascannon, which the World Eater charged. He took two shots, but his armor held firm as he grasped the Daemon Marine in a crushing grip and squeezed him until he was screaming in horrible pain. Quickly, the Marine's head was crushed by the other claw before the corpse was discarded as the Terminator let out a warcry that shook the castle's foundation. "You damnable Blood Raptors chose wrong this time! No one manipulates Force Commander Hellscream! NO ONE!"

Hellscream finally turned, his attention focused entirely on Blueblood as the Prince fiercely stood guard over his friend. To mention it, Mekrail had since slipped into a state of suspended animation as he laid completely null to the world around him; waiting to be revived when he could be healed. "Don't worry little pony, I have no desire to bring harm to you or your pathetic Dark Angel boyfriend." The Terminator bellowed, chuckling at the blush he received from Blueblood before the Prince returned his attention to his friend; whom was still dying as he curled up next to him and continued to cry softly into his shoulder guard.

Blueblood knew there would be no harm, since this Hellscream had indeed just saved them from death entirely as the World Eater Commander watched with his blooded claws still crackling in eternal thirst for more blood spilt. Hellscream did actually go to their side, leaning down and looking them over before returning his attention to the receding portals of Chaos energy. The Terminator also glanced back to the doors, which slammed open to reveal Nitronus and all the others emerging worriedly. "Foul Heretics!" Karlous shouted, his Storm bolter raised to fire just as Joshua took in the scene and raised his Plasma Pistol.

In the end, it was Blueblood that halted everyone from fighting as he shouted, "Stop! Stop right now all of you! Hellscream saved me and my....my...friend." Blueblood was again blushing, but also glaring at the gathered Imperial soldiers and Inquisitor.

"Aye!" The Terminator boomed, "The little lovesick pony speaks truth! Though if you desire your blood to decorate this garden and my armor, then step right up and shall give you the Emperor's peace!"

"Wait...did you say, Helscream?" Joshua questioned, holstering his pistol and stepping past the others and towards the massive World Eater.
"Inquisitor!" Karlous called, "Get back!"

Joshua merely shot the Sergeant a harsh look before shaking his head as he neared the Terminator's form. "Is that really you, old friend?"
"Lord inquisitor Joshua..." Hellscream echoed, "Indeed it is I."

Joshua broke into a smile, "It's good to see you are still alive after all these years...I was unsure, after the last Black Crusade when you went missing from our ranks."

"Nay, I still live to slay the enemies of Man. Although I do wield the 'gifts' my former Master bestowed upon me." Hellscream cackled again, making the Inquisitor eye him oddly before shaking his head and passing by him and heading towards Mekrail.

"Stand down, all of you." He ordered coldly, kneeling beside Mekrail's inert body with a serious expression as he looked the severe wounds over keenly.

Behind the others however, the two Sisters had been shouting orders to the nearest guards to round up all the Captains of the Guard forces and their Generals that had been dispatched. There was now a war, and blood had been officially spilt in their eyes; the blood of a close friend of their Master Jackson, whom was observing silently alongside his wife Dash. There would be hell to pay, and they needed to meet with all Army leaders and officers to discuss their plans before continuing as they returned to their thrones and waited.

The Inquisitor didn't even spare a glance at the ancient Champion as he looked to Blueblood with a halfhearted smile. "Don't worry friend, Captain Mekrail isn't going to die. He's just trapped in suspended animation, at least until we can heal and revive him."

Blueblood's expression was confused and quizzical, but he didn't understand what it meant beyond the fact that his close friend wasn't going to die; and it was in this he took solace as he nodded gratefully.

"Lord Inquisitor..." Hellscream echoed, "The puny Space Marine grows impatient." The Terminator cackled as he slammed the ground with his claws before getting into a battle stance.

Joshua sighed softly, there indeed was much to explain that the Champion did not know of their past. Rising to his feet, he stared straight through the Marine in question as coldly as the blizzards of Fenris as he answered his question. "Force Commander Hellscream is no Traitor Nitronus, not anymore." Knowing he'd need to explain, he elaborated what he meant. "Hellscream was once, during the Great Crusade an up-and-coming Force Commander of the World Eaters Legion. He served through many millions of battles, charging through the hell-fire of his enemies with Lightning claws bared and ripping entire armies to bits alone when no other of his Legion could. At the time, he was extremely loyal to the Imperium and his men; but then the Heresy occurred and his Primarch, Angron, declared that they were joining Horus in the rebellion. He was forced to fight those he called brothers of the other Legions, lest he and his entire force under his command be executed."

Joshua paused, as he felt the World Eater step beside him. "I did what I had to, in order for my men to survive we had to fight!"

"Yes, but after the Heresy was over and the Legion fled...Both he and his men splintered off, and found themselves traveling in a captured Strike Cruiser through Warpspace. Hated, betrayed, angry; and equipped with weapons and armor that had been forcibly corrupted by their Master of the Forge previously, they would do battle through the coming ages against Chaos wherever it existed. Fighting fire with fire, the Heretics were often surprised before their destruction at supposed Allies turning on them while they crusaded." Joshua continued.

"Aye, and after many long millennia we emerged into a space battle between a Chaos Battle Barge and the Angels Exterminatus! With our mighty weapons, we blasted away at them until we were close enough to board; to which their deaths were fast and gruesome!" Hellscream shouted proudly, his helm looking down to the Inquisitor.

"Suffice it to say, Mekrail didn't allow them to escape to the Warp; and instead he raised the vox and hailed their ship immediately. They responded, and after many hours we managed to strike a deal that worked well for both of us. We would keep their existence secret, by all my power in the Inquisition and Mekrail with his pull in the Dark Angels; and in exchange they would return to service secretly alongside us. Over the centuries and millennia, they had proven to be the best allies we could have in our fight; at least, up until the last Black Crusade.

"Foul Blood Raptor witch!" Hellscream shouted, "He cast a damnable spell alongside some Sorcerers and sent my entire ship into the warp!" The Terminator looked away, ashamed, as his voice fell low to a whisper. "He had them all killed, facing endless daemons until we could go on no more...And I alone held on until my ship clashed with some Space Hulk in the warp and I was able to use the teleportation systems to jump through the Immaterium and onto the nearest planet. It just happened to be this one."

"Of which I am glad you did, Hellscream." Joshua interrupted, glancing back towards Mekrail. "Or I do believe the Captain and Prince would not be with us still at all." Joshua finally returned his attention to the group, his eyes catching that Karlous had lowered his weapon as they seemed to share a story in a way. Quicksilver's fear had dispersed as well, although now she was looking more worriedly towards Mekrail as Jackson stepped up beside Nitronus with Angel Dash at his side.

He calmly placed a hand on his shoulder, his intent to cease this standoff as he spoke. "I don't know you, nor would we have ever met were it not for my son requiring my aid here; but what I do know through my many years of experience is that this 'Hellscream' is the most prime example of loyalty." Seeing Nitronus's look, Jackson shook his head disarmingly as Angel Dash continued.

"Yeah, I mean come on man; this guy's clearly proven he's not an enemy. Whatever that Inquisitor guy my love knows said, he's proven how much he seeks to repent for his forced actions and has redeemed himself in battle against many a real Traitor. Just like my husband's regiments, all are souls seeking redemption for crimes in life; and they serve a common cause of peace against all forces that oppose it. He is the same, seeking redemption. Will you deny him that now with your narrow thoughts and ways?" Angel Dash's question was blunt and to the point as she glared at him harshly before walking with Jackson over to Blueblood's side.

"Would you like me to help get him to the infirmary?" He asked.

"I...Yes." Blueblood answered softly.

"Help us sit him up then." Angel Dash said.

After a few minutes, the three had gotten Mekrail's nearly lifeless body to sit upright; to which his injuries were far more prominent to everyone looking as light shone straight through the remains of his chest. Jackson quickly scooped him up, grunting at the weight as he shifted him in a fireman's carry before beginning to walk back towards the door that Blueblood said led to the Infirmary area. Angel Dash followed beside them, assuring the Prince that Mekrail would be alright before they vanished from sight into the building.

Nitronus slammed his shield down and walked towards Hellscream, his sword still raised, "Force Commander!" he said calmly as he removed his helm.

"Yet you still wish to fight?" he replied as he prepared himself.

"Nay brother, for I have proven myself a fool once this week, and I shant again." Nitronus stated with a hearty chuckle as he inverted his blade and rammed it down, "Any foe of Chaos is a friend of mine, shall I tell you of the time I trained a Tyranid?"

Hellscream chuckled lightly in response. Silently, he was thanking the Emperor that he didn't have to slay this Marine, and that he was indeed as level headed as the good Captain had been when they met. "It is good that you trust me, otherwise I do believe more than Traitors blood would be spilled here."

Joshua sighed softly in response, knowing that what the Terminator spoke was true; as even the Captain hadn't the strength nor skill to best him in single combat to date. "Then I am grateful that I was here, and that you Champion could see some sense."

Again the Force Commander chuckled, "Aye, but since this has all come to pass I do believe I'll take you up on that Tyranid story." Hellscream paused, remembering something that held importance to him back before the Warp had engulfed his ship. "And perhaps I shall share with thee the secrets of how I trained a Daemon Hellhound to fight at my side against the forces of Chaos?"

Meanwhile, Karlous had decided that the situation was contained; and as such he and Quicksilver went back into the throne room. What they saw was a cobbled group; consisting of all five of the original officers that the sisters had dispatched, two Equestrian Guard Captains, and their friend Applebits from the previous battle where the two had declared their love for one another. Both smiled, although they knew that this was the war meeting the two had called as guards closed the doors behind them and all others leading into the Throne room.

Nitronus ripped his blade from the ground and recovered his shield which he placed upon his back, "Haha, it appears that we have much in common then."

Twilight had been flying for some time, high above the streets of Ponyville. Her eyes scanning far below, searching for her friend Trayclian. Thus far, he had eluded her; and from the looks of it she'd likely never find him as she descended down into a street about seven blocks from her point of origin. Walking down the street, she kicked aside an old paving stone that had become dislodged and sighed softly. She really had wanted to find him, to be able to ask what had happened and why he had acted so oddly after healing Scootaloo.

However, her ears caught a familiar voice. It was emanating from an alley that was just ahead, and she recognized it as she neared. It was indeed Trayclian. Turning down the alley, she saw his hulking form sticking out barely from the shadows. His hammer gripped tightly in both hands, its pitch black cracks bending the darkness around it to shield itself and its master from light. He wasn't facing her, and what he voiced was a mixture of what she could understand and some language he'd described to her earlier as High Gothic. It sounded like prayers, to which she was slightly perplexed as she called out softly, "Trayclian? Trayclian what's wrong?"

As she stepped closer, she knew he was alerted as he looked up sharply to her. His eye, his normal one at least, reflected almost a sense of fear of some kind as he fell back. He was whispering the prayers faster now, scrambling back towards the end of the alley where his back hit the wall of a building. He seemed to fear something, judgement perhaps? Either way, Twilight pressed closer. She was both worried and curious as she repeated her question, "Trayclian, what's wrong? Why did you run? You can tell me, I can keep a secret if you want?"

Trayclian sighed softly, his eyes closed for a moment as though considering the validity of her offer. Eventually, he relented and was looking at her again with a haunting remembrance showing in his normal eye. "It was a long, long time ago. Before Captain Mekrail was in command of my company. A world, Avelius V. The planet was to be re-annexed into the Imperium, and my Company was tasked to bring it under Imperial law and order once again. There was another, older Captain whose name was Marvel. The battles, for weeks on end. We were fighting Chaos forces, Traitors; those that were of the Chaos Legions of the Word Bearers. Brothers once, who betrayed the Imperium They, made it difficult...Losses were growing, and it was when my old friend Marvel was struck down by one of their Chaplains that I...I lost it. That Dark eye, was but not even a sliver of what I can do when the Darkness emerges....Well....My last sane orders were for our company to return to the Angels Exterminatus.....and then there was nothing I can recall except being back on the ship and watching the planet we fought so hard for crack apart."

Seeing Twilight's surprised and confused expression, Trayclian laughed harshly before giving her a knowing look, "That has only happened once, that time. This is the first time in many millennia since my Darkness has even marginally revealed itself. Luckily, I was in control. And that's also why I am still trying to force it back within the confines of my Hammer where it resides. I don't want to see another world lost...not with some many I've grown to care for upon it."

She wasn't sure, but that answer seemed rather pointed to somepony as she heard the humming of the servo-skull Aurelius behind her. "Oh....Well...I'll be sure to keep your secret Trayclian. I won't say a word." Twilight noticed a faint smile as he rose from the ground, and she also saw that his cracked eye had returned to some normalcy; beyond that of darkness still surrounding his pupil he seemed to have recovered.

She flew up to him, placing a hoof on his shoulder guard and for some reason wanting to say more; but she didn't know what she was feeling or wanting to say as she blushed. the Princess turned away, mumbling softly as she headed for the entrance to the alley. "We...We should get back to the others....They'll...be wondering where we are and....Scootaloo will want to thank you..."

Trayclian observed her curiously, wondering why she'd reacted the way she did before remembering something long ago in his and Mekrail's Equestria. His smile grew somewhat, and he followed her with Aurelius floating beside him. He spluttered more machine noise, to which the Librarian chuckled before nodding in agreement as he followed behind the Princess down the streets towards where he'd previously fled.

Maximus' shoulders slacked as the chaplain looked down upon the now armored pony, the equipment being the only reason she had lived. He admired once more the ornate patterns, etched in by her own hoof, that covered it from top to bottom, every last detail of the armor was in perfect measurement and its systems obviously functioned just as well as its cool blue steel finish looked. The chaplain looked down to the Plasma Gun that she had brought before picking it up for a close examination, to his eyes it seemed like a properly crafted weapon of war, so he went ahead and installed it to her left flank with great care.

"You sure that's a good idea Maxi?" Derpy asked from behind him.

Maximus gave her a nod before standing up and looking to the shadows, though more specifically a pair or glowing red eyes that were full of concern.

"What happened here?" Tempest questioned as he came out of the shadows and approached Scootaloo carefully, ignoring the Marine.

"Her weapon test blew up in her face." Derpy replied for the mute Chaplain, who just gave a nod.

"How badly is she hurt?" the pony in black armor asked, giving a look that stared into the very soul to Maximus.

The Chaplain merely knelt down to the ponies level and shook his head, trying to say 'badly' without using the warp and that accursed cell phone. Luckily Tempest understood and turned his attention fully over to his pupil, tears slowly trickling down his face.

Elizabeth jumped over a charging Termigaunt as her twin swords mutilated the insectiod xenos with ease, she could have sworn she had heard one of her comrades whistle, but she was unsure of which one. Stanton and Telios stood side by side as they fired into the horde that was charging them, now spreading out as if they were coming out from every angle. Stanton's shots were rapid and most missed, whereas Telios' rounds hit their mark on the larger and more dangerous xenos. The Champion slashed and hacked his way through the xenos alongside the battle sister who was now dueling a Warrior.

"Elizabeth!" Telios yelled as he placed a round clean into a Harpy that had come down from the sky in an attempt to snatch the sister.

"My thanks Telios." Elizabeth replied as she parried an attack from the warrior before sweeping the floor with her left leg and driving her left blade into its chest, "Die xenos scum!"

"Excellent kill Battle Sister." the Champion shouted as he sliced another Warrior in half.

Elizabeth remained silent, personally she missed battling alongside Maximus her other brothers Nitronus and Reginald. But alas here she was with a couple Black Templars of all chapters, a Salamander turned Dark Angel, and an Imperial Assassin, personally she wouldn't mind if it was only the latter two.

"Watch yourself!" Rekriel yelled as he grabbed two Harpies from the sky with his servo arm and crushed them, all the while blasting away at the Termigaunts that continued to encroach upon their position.

"They're worse than the damn roaches on our ship!" Elizabeth yelled as she sheathed her left chainsword and pulled out her bolter.

"Your ship has roaches?" Stanton inquired, surprised at this information.

"You would be amazed at what my ship has on it." she replied as she did a one-eighty and poured half of her bolter clip into a swarm of Rippers, "Heavy bolter adjust your fire to the right and hit those Rippers!"

"Aye sister!" Stanton yelled as he began to spew litanies of hate upon the xenos.

"Is there no end to these xenos?" the Champion questioned as a Warrior jumped upon him, though impaled itself on his blade and died instantly.

"I do......." Elizabeth began before a Carnifex slammed her into the ground.

"Noooooooo!" Telios screamed as he brought his rifle to bear against the foul beast and charged it, each of his shots hitting their mark.

The Assassin jumped to the side once he got close to it and then slid beneath the beast, firing more rounds until it finally fell. He then forgot about the battle as he knelt to help the sister who had nearly been crushed to death in a single blow. Rekriel made his way over to them and provided cover as the Assassin removed her helm.

Looking now into her eyes, Telios took in the scope of the horrendous damage the massive Carnifex had done unto her. Great rents cut through her holy armor, leaking blood; but this was only the surface. He was no Apothecary, but he was certain many of her bones were broken as well. Silent tears streaked his cheeks, freezing in the cold before they could fall as he cradled her head and body in his hands. "I've failed you......" He whispered softly.

And yet even despite the furious protection of the Space Marines, a single Tyranid Ravener burrowed beneath their string of defenses. Realizing their weakness at this moment, the swarm pressed its attack to keep the three distracted as they fought blade to claw, gun to bio-weapon. The Ravener came straight through the frosted ground, its horrible features fixed on the Assassin and Battle Sister as it howled and charged. No one could stop it, they were all tied up in hand to hand combat now; even Stanton swinging his heavy bolter at the Aliens to knock them back as he watched the hideous Xeno attack its target. Its claw was buried through the Assassin's chest, emerging on the other side and hooking to him as to prevent any attempt of removal. as it howled in victory, his blood joining hers in the pool between them; He didn't show any hint of pain or take notice as he continued to cradle her closely.

"Brother!" Rekriel's voice howled, "Damnable Xenos!" The Techmarine made a clean sweep with his servo-arms, clearing the beasts from him as he turned and charged the Tyranid. With all his fury, his servo-saw came down upon the claw around the Assassin's back and cut it cleanly away; and as the Tyranid reared away he slammed into it and began to beat it to death with his fists.

"Dammit all Emperor, we can't stay here!" the Champion shouted, seeing another of the massive Carnifex beasts emerging into vision among hordes more of Rippers and Gaunts.

Before he could move to challenge it in single combat; to break the Horde's morale for the moment and seed confusion in their ranks, he watched as Stanton ceased firing and began to walk towards the horde. His armor was alight with a faint golden aura, his eyes shining brightly as though consumed by a light as powerful as a thousand suns. The Champion saw and knew this well, the mark of the Emperor choosing another Champion; gifting him with visions of new victory here and now as his helm fixated upon the same beast in the crowd. "Suffer not the Unclean to live!" He said, his voice echoing in the wind before he looked straight at the Champion. "Your blade."

The Champion knew what he meant, as he drew his sword for the last time and admired the Black Sword before tossing it to the waiting Marine's grip. Catching it deftly, the new Champion had just enough time to deflect a blow from that very Carnifex and lock its massive scythe arm against the blade. His heavy bolter raising, he again proclaimed his Oath once more, "Suffer not the Unclean to live!" Before firing it into the gut of the beast until a gaping hole resided there now. "Go!" He echoed, "I will drive them back."

"Emperor be with you, Champion Stanton." The former Champion responded, fleeing his brother and leaving him to fight this battle alone; as he knew his place no longer was here.

Rekriel and the former Champion took up arms, the latter wielding his combat knife now as they watched the Assassin rise with Elizabeth still held in his arms and her helm in her lap. "Let's go." He whispered, setting off into the storm with the two behind him.

The sounds of endless battle echoed behind them; one marine fighting against the impossible, the implacable, neither accepting defeat nor giving in to the enemy as his voice rose up in furious hatred through the hailing winds and the sounds of his blade and chosen gun traveled far with it. Eventually, Rekriel caught sight of a place of respite; a single, dingy cave entrance in the side of what appeared to be a small hill. Luckily enough, it hadn't snowed in yet as he waved the Assassin and former Champion forward. Entering it, he glanced about and confirmed it was safe before turning his eyes to his comrades.

The Black Templar was injured somewhat; a dozen or so slices and cuts across his armor that had since healed and a decent hole in his right shoulder guard from a bio-weapon finding its mark. His eyes swept to his brother and friend, Telios. Seeing the grisly sight of the claw lodged in his chest made him speak up, his voice amplified in the cavern. "Assassin....Telios...The claw, it's still inside you we have to...."

His voice was colder than the ice, uncaring for anything but the one he laid out before him and began to gingerly tend to the injuries he could as he interrupted the Techmarine. "Nothing else matters....not me...only her. I cannot live with myself if she dies."

The Assassin removed from a pouch at his waist a small syringe, praying silently to the Emperor it would help before whispering softly in her ear, "This will hurt more than anything, but it will help with your bones." Finding an open rent in her armor, he quickly injected her with it and pushed the plunger; the dark blue liquid flowing into her body.

He knew she was gritting her teeth to stop a cry of agony, to which he gripped her hand tightly to show he was there as his free hand stroked the hair out of her eyes. All the while, the Techmarine was taking stock of the situation as the sounds of battle continued to echo and reach his ears. The former Champion seemed to have something weighing heavily on him, it was plain to be seen as he watched the cave entrance and listened to the litanies of hate. Rekriel decided to say nothing, focusing his attention back to his friend and Elizabeth as he cleansed the Xeno blood from his weapons and armor.

Dashing had followed Dash for a while, flying through the skies above. The wind on his face, flowing under his wings as he beat a powerful gust behind him. He knew Dash was watching him, curiously; as with an ease he kept up with her was likely surprising somewhat as he cruised beside her. Before long, they had touched down on the clouds outside her home; a place that Jackson had only told him about, since in the war it had been torn down by the battles between his forces and the Rebels against him. Not to mention that he'd never had the time to stop and enter it; with his job as Canterlot's Captain and his duty to his family he never had a chance to visit a piece of his life. But now, standing on the clouds before it; he was nearly breathless. It's beauty, though simple, was something of admiration by his eye as he took in the completeness of the place where his mother had grown up.

Dash though, interrupted him with a tug on his shoulder and telling him to follow her inside. "Ah oh!" He stumbled, "Coming Mo.....I mean Dash." He rubbed the back of his helm's plume sheepishly, catching a look from her before he followed her to the door and stepped inside. The simplicity of her house didn't escape him, but his eye absorbed all eagerly as he noted every detail of the small living room; from the couches to the tables and even the pictures and posters that hung up on the walls he committed to memory as he trotted over to a couch and took a seat.

"So, what do you want to drink?" Dash asked.

"Water please....I've never been much for anything else..." Dashing replied, smiling faintly at her as he watched her go to a nearby room.
He guessed it was the kitchen, since he heard cupboards opening and two glasses being fetched; then the sound of the tap started and stopped until likely both glasses were full. When she returned, both glasses in hoof; he took one of them gratefully before sipping it.

"So, what was all that back there exactly?" She asked after taking a sip.

Dashing immediately froze. With such precision you'd have thought the glass might detonate, he set the glass down on the table and looked her over to see if she was serious in her question. Seeing that she indeed was, he sighed softly and said, "I'm not sure....If I can tell you Dash. Dad might be furious with me for explaining what I can do."

Rainbow gave him an inquisitive eye before shrugging at the thought as she flew up to retrieve the book that Tempest had dropped off earlier. Landing down next to the armored pony as he sipped his water, she sat down and opened her Daring Doo book.

"You read?" Dashing asked.

"Eeyup, not that I'm an egghead though." Rainbow replied, sheepishly putting the book down and whistling.

"Yeah, okay." he chuckled at her response.

"Hey, you hungry?" she asked as she shot over to the kitchen feeling a tad bit awkward.

"Yeah. Yeah I am." Dashing replied, "But...you don't have to go to any expense for me. Letting me come here, it's more than enough."

"Pancakes work?" Rainbow asked as she pulled out a spatula and pan.

"Sure." Dashing replied, stunned that she was about to cook.

"Lets just hope they don't turn out like last time." Dash muttered under breath.

A few minutes of shouldering Mekrail had done about as much work on the soldier of Death as the military exercises that he did every morning until lunch every day. But the hard work to get him to the infirmary was worthwhile as Blueblood rushed ahead with Dash and pushed the golden doors open. There were a few patients present, none as seriously injured as the Space Marine was as Jackson entered and found the nearest bed. Laying him down gently, he took a moment to observe the injuries a little closer before looking up to a waiting Unicorn Nurse across the bed. She wore a look of calmness and professionalism, but through the cracks Jackson could read shock at seeing a patient this bad.

"Ma'am, is there anything you can do to help him?" Blueblood asked, appearing at the bedside and holding one of Mekrail's hands in his hooves.

"I...I need to conduct a thorough examination before attempting any aid Prince Blueblood." She answered, slightly surprised to see him showing such care for what he likely considered a commoner.

"Can I stay here with him while you work Nurse?" Blueblood asked, "I...I don't mean to break protocols...but I want to stay with Mekrail."
There was a faint blush that Angel Dash noticed, to which she pointed it out to Jackson who smiled somewhat at him. "Look at that Jackie, he reminds me of you and I when we were first falling in love."

Jackson chuckled, both at remembering how they came to love one another and the little nickname that she had called him at the time. "I know, I remember those days fondly Dashie." Jackson smiled more as he saw Angel Dash blush a little at him using her own nickname.

The Nurse finally finished her examination, to which she had a look of sadness for Blueblood as she shook her head slowly. "I don't know anything about his physiology for the most part first of all, so I have no idea what to attempt to heal or repair beyond the basics. And secondly, there's some sort of dark force infesting around his injuries that is preventing me from repairing any of the damage." Seeing Blueblood's disheartened look, the Nurse placed a hoof on his in a reassuring manner. "I'm sorry Prince, but I promise that we'll keep trying to heal him to the best of our abilities."

Blueblood perked up somewhat, hearing such a promise, an oath, reminded him again of Mekrail as he smiled somewhat at his close friend. "Thank you Nurse, it's more than I could ever ask."

Just then, Jackson turned to see Joshua entering the Infirmary with Karlous and Quicksilver. the first of which, moved to observe Mekrail closely before sighing sadly and going to a nearby window. He didn't seem to want to see his comrade having suffered so much, and his eyes were focused to the city out in the distance as Karlous and Quicksilver watched from the doorway. There was a single tear, barely visible in the Lord Inquisitor's eye as he periodically shifted his gaze between Mekrail, Blueblood, and the window.

Jackson watched this, and his expression shifted slightly and significantly. It was a look Angel Dash knew well, one that spoke of action to come as she nodded in understanding. Watching him, she saw how he dispersed into the shadows and knew that he was seeking the ones that didn't come.

Jackson arrived quickly, silently through the shadows of the garden courtyard. His eyes locked on the very World Eater and Champion as he stepped towards them. It wasn't until he was behind Nitronus that he made himself known again, after having listened to the Marine telling stories to the Force Commander he was actually agitated. His voice resonated through the very ground and echoed in the air, "The Brother-Captain has been gravely injured and you care not that he lays in a coma? what sort of honorable brothers are you?" As Nitronus turned, prepared to utter a reply he was cut off, "I don't care if that man hates you and wishes you as dead as the Traitors themselves; you being there would mean more than anything you could do for him and his brethren and friends." Jackson turned on his heal, dispersing silently once more into the shadows and returning to Angel Dash's side.

Hellscream's helm tilted in shame as he turned to the way they had taken Mekrail originally. "I can't believe...I forgot about the brother I saved and owe so much to." His voice was slightly melancholy before his helm tilted forward and he set off at a speed that normally only regularly armored Space Marines could lay claim to.

"You go on Hellscream, I have an idea." Nitronus said as he walked off towards the exit of the castle, while Hellscream made his way to the infirmary.

The mood was sober as Trayclian shuffled quietly down the side streets, his head bent low and eyes cast to the ground. Even though he had vented his past to Twilight, whom walked beside him, he still felt the depths of the mad forces that lurked within his mind and burned in his soul. Every step he took, a whisper; a beseeching voice speaking to him, begging him to relinquish control. The very same force that, several thousand years ago, had caused him to destroy the planet Avelius V. It cried out, offering him the unimaginable strength that none, not even the Emperor himself could best. But the Librarian had listened to its words for ten millennia and more as his soul resided in the Warp during his demise; he could bear its sickeningly sweet promises far longer.

The Emperor himself had said so, "I watched you for many years young Space Marine...And I know that it is you...and only you I trust." Those had been his words, upon meeting for the first time with the accursed Hammer still in his grip. Fresh it had been from the forges, shining and new; and yet the Librarian had already been wary to what lay within. The Tech's had promised it pure and strong, but even without his psychic power developed or known he could sense its evil. He knew of its dangers, and as he had kneeled before the Emperor with it clutched in his hand the second words of the Master of Mankind resounded in his memories, "What forces lie within your Hammer...They are beyond even my power to control...You...And you alone I sense...have sensed of its power though...and been more appalled than drawn to it..."

"Indeed, my Emperor." He had responded, glancing up and barely meeting the golden eyes of the Master of Mankind. "Whatever lurks within its confines...It cannot be for the good of Humanity's future."

A faint nod had come from the Emperor, of which the young Space Marine bowed his head again as a last token of wisdom came with but a whisper in his ear, "You and I both know though...That someday it will be free...But I ask that you delay its release for as long as you can...Perhaps...one day...you shall be strong enough...to control it...And Humanity...will be strong again."

Those words, Trayclian knew, were coming true. The Emperor himself had foreseen far into the future of men, and had known that Mankind would not achieve its greatness in his time. He, had seen of his demise and secretly steeled himself all those years; and yet even faced with Horus and knowing what he ahd to do he could not. What man could slay their own son without pain seven fold reflected upon themselves? Trayclian felt a dark pulse of his Hammer, which pulled him from his thoughts and to the present as his vision cleared of ages past. His eyes were settling upon the sight of Tempest and the others, and the voices echoed in the depths of his mind as he quieted the darker forces dwelling within the reaches of his cracked eye and approached.

The Librarian bowed slightly, in apology for his previous actions before moving towards Scootaloo. Settling before her, he accessed her condition before hearing the whispers grow again in promise of giving him the power to heal her completely. Again, he quieted them. Instead, he turned to Tempest with a somber look as Twilight watched solemnly. He saw within the General something beyond his grief; something that spoke a thousand words. Tempest, it seemed, knew more than he let on, as the Librarian gestured for him to follow back to the forge house. "Worry not." He said, composing himself, "She will be fine...Although I must have a few words with you General...Privately, if you would." His tone wasn't asking, nor was it demanding. Just calm, as though a long feared event had transpired as his Hammer crackled darkly without provocation.

The Librarian faintly acknowledged the Holy Chaplain, to which he gestured for him to follow as well as he made for the forge house. "You must come too...I require you for different reasons Maximus."

Tempest gave a single look towards Maximus before kissing the still Scootaloo and marching off to join Trayclian, Maximus directly behind them.

Telios hadn't yet said a word for the longest time. As snow fluttered and settled on his armor, and his skin began to turn an icy, pallid blue that worried his friend Rekriel immensely. The toxins in the claw were getting to him, ever so slowly, they were killing him; and the elements didn't make it any easier on the Assassin's body. He was still cradling her, though, gently resting against the cave wall with her head resting on his shoulder. His eyes, still firm, and fiery with a passion to protect the Sister of Battle, were beginning to glaze over slowly. His death hour would approach soon, if he was not treated.

Yet still, he would refuse. He waited for her to wake before even thinking of caring for himself, which both amazed and baffled the Techmarine and the former Champion alike as the latter turned back to the rest of the group with a sorrowful gaze as the sounds of battle quieted. No words spoken, as a single tear ran down Telios' eye. Soon, he felt her stirring; and a great smile that belied any horrible pain he felt from the massive claw in his chest was seen as the tear froze and he gazed at her. "Elizabeth." He whispered, so quiet it was barely heard by the Astartes present.

Elizabeth stirs from her agony induced slumber at last. Though still very much sore from the battle and forced recovery by the Assassin's stimulants, she knows that she's escaped very well a death sentence as she shakes the sleep slowly from her eyes and glances about. Seeing the emotion now stirring behind the stony expression of Rekriel, she knows something is amiss as his eyes are locked firmly on Telios. Sparing a quick glance, she notices faintly the few silent tears frozen on the Former Champion's face as he faces the storm at the cave's mouth, and barely recalls hearing Stanton's desperate fight to save them all before she passed out.

At last, she shifts her gaze up to meet the gruesome sight of the Assassin's dying body. What is chilling, is that he's still smiling happily at her, even though the light in his eyes is fading rapidly and life is leaving him.

"So it is that you have cheated Death, Battle Sister." Rekriel whispers, "And condemned perhaps another to serve, although he'd do it happily, in your place." The look is sad in the Techmarine's bionic eyes, as they darken and lower away from the two.

"Elizabeth..." A faint call rings out from the Assassin, so quiet it barely reaches the Battle Sister's ears. As though entranced, this is all he whispers as he begins to slump, slipping further into Death's clutches and away from the chance of healing.

"Telios?" she whispers, pain flaring from the movement of her body, "Does anyone here know how to treat his wounds?" she yells as she painfully sits up and reverses his cradling.

The Former Champion's gaze slowly shifts from the blizzard whipping at his face and towards the one whom had shouted. His eyes reflecting a hint of purpose as he remembered his first deployment, in a Tyrannic War against Splinter Fleet Tyrus. Glancing toward the Techmarine, he gave a curt nod and gestured for him to ready his servo-claws and plasma torch. Advancing towards Elizabeth, he settled down beside her and gently placed a hand on her shoulder as his frozen tears shattered from his determined expression. "I've got experience in these injuries," He gestures to the scar where his chestplate was repaired, "Fought against the Splinter Fleet Tyrus. Kept some of the medical techniques in case I'd need to treat myself or more brothers again."
"E...Elizabeth!" Telios cries faintly, still fading as his eyes lock weakly with hers. "Elizabeth." He repeats, again and again as the life fades and he struggles to hold to her.

Moving quickly, the Techmarine carefully extracted the claw from the Assassin's chest. Laying it aside, The Templar took from a pouch at his waist and revealed a small, odd looking device that he used to collect a sample of the claw's decomposing blood before it whirred and chugged.

Meanwhile, Rekriel had been working fast, his plasma torch cauterizing the injuries quickly before more blood loss could occur. At last, the device registered it was finished, and from it produced a vial that the Former Champion quickly placed into a syringe he seized from the Assassin's belt. "Don't you die on me...Not another." He whispered, muttering a prayer to the Emperor as he shot the vial's contents directly into his neck through a vein.

Immediately, the Assassin's face relaxed, and his eyes fluttered as though on verge of sleep as the life faintly returned. "Elizabeth..." He whispered, his hands weakly caressing her face, "I..I was so...so worried...For you." His words quieted by the weakness of his body from blood loss and poison that it could scarcely be heard as he brought his gaze to meet hers. In a final moment, before darkness claimed him into a forced sleep, he surged forward with an energy that shocked the two older Marines as they stepped back. Watching his lips pressed to hers, they both looked away as he kissed her. His breath hot and lips feverish before he pulled away, his eyes already dropping and closed before settling to sleep with a smile still on his face. "H...Had...to do that." He said softly before slipping into sleep.

"I'll make certain to return the gesture when you wake up." Elizabeth whispers to herself as Telios fall asleep, though the two marines could easily hear her.

Reginald led the four ponies aside from Braeburn who survived, Minuette, and three of the Crystal Ponies that he had rescued up north through the desert, the mountain that holds Canterlot in constant view. Majority of the trip had been quiet, even with Discord flying along with them, the events that transpired in Appaloosa haunting the innocent ponies.

Braeburn had been walking through the desert behind Reginald for many hours. His eyes always sweeping the land, keeping a constant vigil. Now that his home had been destroyed; and these ponies were all that was left, he was determined to insure their protection and survival. Despite this, the silence was even more haunting than what he had seen, and so he decided to break it at last. "Ah'll be sure that we'll be but ah few hours from tha nearest town. If'n we hurry along, we'll be there afore nightfall."

Catching curt nods from Reginald and the others, he added rather optimistically, "If'n we're where I think we are, ah know some ponies in tha town we'll reach that'll be willin' ta take us in till we can git on ta Canterlot."

"Take the lead then friend, for have naught the idea of where this town is." Reginald replied, stopping to turn slightly to his pony companion.

Discord then shivers as he vanishes into this air, leaving nothing but a small puff of smoke behind, "Where is he off to? Oh what does it matter." Minuette spat, her mood fouled the previous events.

"Hmm?" Reginald inquired, not removing his eyes from Braeburn.

"Ah well, let's not be too worried bout him fer tha moment mah friends." Braeburn replied, shaking his head at Minuette. "Ah know what we've jus been through is hard mah friend, but ya can't let this keep on ya heart. If'n there's somethin ya need ta talk bout an somepony ta listen ta ya, ah'll be glad to take ah private moment with ya Minuette."

His expression was a pained, stricken smile. Even despite all he had lost. Family, friends, everypony save these few; he still cared more for their feelings and health than his own state as he drew his eyes away and toward their destination in what he guessed was the northeast. "Follow me mah friends, an we'll be outta this here desert soon." His eyes, directed away from all, held within them a deep sadness and threatening tears that he fought off and hid with that same pained smile and bright outlook. His ear, however, tilted as to hear Minuette's response as he walked to his destination.

"I'll follow you, but don't expect me to talk." she replied keeping her head low and eyes half shut as she and the t[other three ponies passed by the still as stone Reginald.

"..." Reginald slowly turned around and followed the group of ponies, though he knew they were being followed for in Discords vanishing act he did leave a clue.

Author's Note

Tempest-

Howdy everypony, a ton has happened in this chapter, though I am sorry it took so long, 'fraid that was my bad... Writers Block is evil. But Death was waiting and kept on my case about it!

"Applause!!!"

Now thoughts on the chapter, do you have a favorite character yet, where do you think that this fic is going? I want to hear from those 9 ponies out there who gave us a thumbs up!

Stay Brony Everypony!

Death-

Hello ladies and Gentlcolts. It is I, the masterful Muffin Fuhrer! Once more have I returned to speak on behalf of this...*Death pauses as he looks over his fellow writer* I'm...Even I'm not sure what to say...*Eyes cross* I'm so confused!

(Tempest- Just talk about the fic!)

Ah yeah, well about that I can tell you I've kept on this here...*Confusion grows*...whatever he is...Tempest I guess. He's back on schedule now, and I'll not let him off again *Looks to characters* Got the whips and chains ready, dear?

Always.

Now anyways, please do let us know what ya think.

(Tempest- Ahem, pardon me while I go for a midnight flight!)

Ah, no. You're not to leave this castle afore reminding the audience to like and favorite if they enjoyed! And to tell us what they liked most or even didn't like in the comments below! *Death latches on to Tempest's tail* Either that, or we're going together my friend!

(Tempest- Wait, didn't already, ah shit! Hope you all enjoyed the chapter, don't forget to press the thumbs up and hit the star if ya really loved it... Wait why a thumbs up button, we have hooves, not claws or hands!!! Death you can let go now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Neigh! *Death mumbles* I was promised a flight, an I'll get one!

(Tempest- ... But you know my wings are underdeveloped, hey wait you've got your own!!!)