Chapter 9

The sun was just beginning to fade away giving way to the darkness of the night, the stars and moon blocked out by thick storm clouds above a lone space marine. Nitronus had been marching from Canterlot in the one direction that he could feel his old chaplain's presence, though he would never admit to being able to actually feel where the Warp was he couldn't deny it's usefulness. Though in his mind he hoped that Maximus knew where the others were seeing as the chaplain had rather effectively found most of their chapters members. The old marine's thoughts were interrupted by the forest changing from a lush wooded area with timber wolves that would scatter from his view, to a desolate wasteland of blackened trees and dusty dirt.

Nitronus stopped for a single second to take in his new surroundings, before him laid a small pony sized village that had been burned to the ground, black flames still licking what remains of the former residents homes. Dark Blue armor still gripping tightly to the charred corpses of the ponies that once wore them with pride. But something was off, the black flames seemed to be interlocked with the red in somewhat of a duel, and the guard ponies that remained on fire had red flames licking their corpses.

"Interesting." Nitronus muttered under his breath as he drew his force sword.

The scent of burnt flesh meeting him even through his helms filters further implied that this was a recent battle. Nitronus slowly made his way into the burnt village but stopped himself when he heard deep base-like voices accompanied by vicious laughter.

"These ponies are so much fun to tear open, did you see how much came out of that one female!" one of the Khornate Beserkers laughed as he patted his comrades shoulder.

"Aye, you wouldn't even find that much blood in an Ork, truly these xenos are filled with the good stuff!" he replied.

In between them sat a three in half foot tall batpony with a coat of midnight black and a mane of florescent orange, who was also crying tears of crimson blood as they spoke of how they tore apart her fellow guards. She was bound by heavy rope and secured by another marine who Nitronus couldn't see too well.

"So, shall we grant the blood god more blood with a final sacrifice for now brothers?" this third marine asked as lifted his foor from the mares side, eliciting a small whimper from her.

"P..please I-I don't..t want t-to die." she practically whispered, though the marines could all easily hear her begging.

Nitronus gripped his sword tightly, this wasn't his mission, the ponies didn't need his help, nor did he wish to give it, he only wished to return to his true battle. But, given that they are fighting against, or at least trying to fight against Chaos, he should help them, tis what his Primarch Covus Corax would wish. Thus he charged his roar masking the squeak of fear from the mare as two of the Beserkers turned and revved their chain axes to engage him.

"Loyalist scum!"

"I shall enjoy offering your skull to Khorn!"

Nitronus ignored them as he clashed his sword to an ax and turned his back to his current foe so that he may intercept a swing with his shield. Ducking down he used the Kornates momentum to toss him into the other with his shield before standing to finish them off.

"Hold thyself, marine!" the third spoke up, "Don't you wish this insect to live?"

That caught the champions attention, turning his head slightly so that he could see this Terminator holding the miniature (even for a pony) ponies frame who was by now sobbing, out of the corner of his left eye. He knew not why he cared for her well being, had she been a guardsman he would have ignored the Terminator's threat. But this gave the other two marines time to get back up and ready themselves for his eventual attack.

"Leave her be, these ponies have no place in our war heretic!" Nitronus found himself speaking as he stabbed his sword into the ground and dropped his shield.

"War? Ha, they didn't even manage to kill anything but the Daemons we brought, Sirrus was correct, this place shall be a fine tribute to our god!" he replied.

"Blood for the blood god!"

"Skulls for the skull throne!"

"Now, loyalist... I don't normally make deals with your kind, but what say you and I have a bit of fun?" the Terminator chuckled to himself, tossing the pony down to the sidelines and nearer to his brothers.

Nitronus sparred her not a glance, refusing to move his head from its corner stare, "What have you in mind traitor?" he inquired slowly, his tone even and dangerous.

"You and I, one on one combat, no weapons." he replied as his brothers cheered.

"And if I refuse?" the champion asked but was immediately answered by by one of the other marines smashing his foot down on a dead pony, causing the five living beings to be drenched in pony blood.

"Accept or decline brother, I shall not ask again." the Terminator laughed as the mares eyes met that of Nitronus', though she knew not that he was looking at her as she mouthed the words 'I'm not worth you dying.'

"Ready thyself!" Nitronus evenly stated as he slowly turned to face him.

"Raaaa!" his foe screamed spurring the champion to charge as well.

They met in five strides, Nitronus placing the first blow with his bionic fist against the Terminator's unarmored face. The Terminator in turn grabbed the Champion's leg and threw him into a burning structure, though Nitronus failed to miss a beat and had himself standing prior to his backwards momentum ending.

"You are worthless traitor, I shall be more than happy to send you to your god." Nitronus evenly said as he walked out of the flames and back into sight of the smiling Terminator.

His foe merely charged upon the valiant champion who rolled with such speed that he was not but a red and white blur before turning and planting his grip upon the Terminator's power pack and ripping it clean off.

"Pathetic whelp." Nitronus chuckled as he used his foes own power pack to beat him to death.

"Loyalist peasant!" the Terminator growled as he struggled to get up from his beating.

"I fought your challenge and won, now you shall allow the pony to leave." Nitronus once again betrayed not a hint of emotion in his tone.

"She may leave when she wishes, for now.. you fight my broth..." he never finished speaking as Nitronus put his boot through his head in an act of aggression previously unseen by him.

"You heard your brother, fight me." Nitronus casually chuckled as he strode forward towards the two remaining heretics.

"Blood for-" one began before Nitronus grabbed his head and in one swift motion threw his body aside into his brother as his head remained in his grip.

"If you dare." Nitronus growled as he surged forth and dismembered the last marines arms from his torso prior to using his own arms to beat him to death.

"Ple..please... DON'T HURT ME!" the pony screamed as Nitronus turned himself to her and got down on a knee.

"I shan't little one." he calmly stated, though he still knew not why he had even stopped, surly this pony was beneath his attention.

"You, aren't gonna kill me?" she whimpered as more blood leaked from her eyes and wounds, she having somehow survived a chain ax's bite.

"Nay, it never crossed my mind." Nitronus replied truthfully, as unlike most other ponies, the only emotion he felt for her was one of guardianship.

"I'm, well.... um.... Neon Storm..." she whispered.

"And I am Nitronus." he replied as he snapped her bonds, the winds picking up as she struggled to stand.

Despite the great haste of which the ancient Terminator had made towards the infirmary wing, Hellscream felt a deep pang in his heart of failure. Failure to be there for the last few of whom he considered his brothers, which was a sin not tolerable to the Force Commander's mind. Turning the corner, a bound of footfalls had him at the doors to the Wing, which he slammed open with such force that it threw off the Terminator standing near them.

"Emperor's mercy!" He heard the familiar, yet strange voice of Karlous cry out. There was a sense of tension in the very air, which was broken by the Sergeant's collision with the floor that left behind but a crater as he stared in surprise at the door.

"For Angron's sake..." Hellscream muttered, "Here, get up," He added, helping the fellow Terminator to his feet again as Quicksilver hovered with a slight scowl in his direction. "Look, I'm sorry. Alright? I was in a hurry to get here."

This somewhat appeased the mare; but she was busy now brushing the dust off of her love and checking him for injuries, despite the Sergeant's repeated statements that he was fine.

Looking about the scene, the Force-Commander took special note first of Blueblood and Mekrail's position, and sauntered past the fussing couple before settling a few steps from them as he eyed the serious injuries of his comrade and brother.

"Doc says she can't do anything yet." Joshua answered, sensing his thoughts through his hidden emotions concealed by the ancient Terminator's horned helm. "He's got some sort of Chaos energies blocking our attempts at aid, and we haven't the medical supplies to bring him to full heath anyways either."

There was pain, full and clear, in the Lord Inquisitor's voice. However, Hellscream ignored it as he approached and settled before the Captain he'd saved and then been saved by so many times. "Damnable dark forces of Chaos. Their malicious sorcery has wreaked havoc with every Las-cannon shot from their blasphemous weapons. There's no room for any healing until these foul magicks are removed...but I sense none of us have the skills to do that."

His glance confirmed it, as his eyes met that of Joshua's and caught that single tear that had frozen in its march down his seemingly cold features. "There's only one person I'd trust to handle this...But I don't know where he is."

"Epistolary Trayclian." Hellscream finished, "He's the only one learned enough in the dark ways of the Warp that I'd trust to heal my wounds, and many times his insight into the mysteries of Chaos have saved my life."

"Indeed." Joshua said, surprised at the World Eater's knowledge of the Librarian despite his hatred of Psykers. "Afflicted flesh far from able to be treated by normal means, and can only be healed if the taint is removed first." Pausing, the Lord Inquisitor turned his gaze back to the city from his window perch. "But these injuries...They'll require entire new organs...Most of his body is obliterated..."

Pondering in thought, both men tried to figure out just where to acquire the necessary afflicted Dark Angel organs necessary to revive Mekrail as Blueblood remained steadfast at the Captain's bedside with his hooves tightly gripped to a nearly lifeless hand. The nurse watching over him to make sure he didn't get any worse as silence once more reigned in the Infirmary.

The moon now high in the sky Maximus chose to sit upon a massive inset boulder near to Tempest's humble fore home that was almost hidden from the mighty oaks that obscured it from every angle. Tempest himself payed the chaplain no mind, instead opting to remain next to the librarian who had wished to speak with him.

Coming himself to a halt outside the hidden home once more, the Librarian finally could safely speak and reveal freely what he too had kept secreted away for many millennia. The effects were instantaneous, and frightening to witness, as his psychic defenses lowered with his back still turned to the General and Chaplain. The dark aura, cracking through the hammer, ever so closer to shattering it and escaping. A haunting visage presenting itself, as Trayclian turned back to them. His eyes fully enveloped, face half consumed; a daemonic expression, kindred only faintly to what had once been its human form. His once holy armor, desecrated now, with sights too horrible to describe that was an ever changing mass of pure insanity. Crackling shots of black, tomes on his shoulder spewing forth endless prophecies and sconces upon his back kindled with bones and skulls of the damned. Everything about him, save for an eye, and the hand that gripped tightly upon the hammer itself, screamed death, disease, and change.

"Pure....Chaos." He whispered, although it echoed in the air.

Suddenly, without a word further, everything faded away and he stood once more as a normal man among them. Noting even Maximus's slight surprise, the Librarian leaned heavily upon the hammer as his eyes revealed a great tiredness. At the same time, they reflected that same calm, of the end. "It is the coming of a new Age, young General." He coughed, a faint trace of blood trailing down his lips. "It is something I've only delayed as long as I can...But no more. Soon...very soon...This world will bear witness to an age old prophecy come true."

The Librarian coughed again, giving pause as his eyes shifted to the Chaplain. "The Emperor's prophecy of Mankind...Damnation or Salvation...Only True Chaos will choose. Whichever it may be, the Imperium and the universe shall rise or fall with it." His words, he allowed to sink in, and waited for the response as his gaze fell upon the General once more.

Tempest was silent, eyeing the librarian with a calm expression before turning to Maximus. The chaplain shrugged and nodded his head in confirmation that he knew of this prophesy before standing and and walking to higher ground to give the two more room as he looked upon the moon. Tempest looked back to Trayclain, uncertain as to what to think or do now that he knew that his world was in danger, but remembered that this was a man that Jackson had placed his trust in, thus Tempest took a chance.

"Trayclian, when the time comes I am certain that true chaos shall deem what is necessary, I only hope that we make a good impression." he states with a calm, even friendly tone in his voice before pointing a wing, "Would you care to discuss it over coffee and perhaps a box of doughnuts?"

"Well, you've already made a good impression at that offer...my young friend." There was a hint of a smile on the Librarian's lips, although his expression soon darkened somewhat as he muttered, "Though I doubt old Anarchy will remember, much less care of such gestures." Dismissing his future thoughts voiced aloud, he wiped the blood from his lips and strengthened his psychic defenses once more to halt the progression of the God's emergence. "By all means, lead the way my friend." He gestured to Tempest to kindly take point before leaning heavily once more on his hammer as a walking stick almost. As they passed the Chaplain, he whispered softly, "Pray for me, pray for us all...but most of all...please...pray for my son Mekrail's sake I make the right decision when the time comes."

Maximus gave him a reverent nod before taking a knee and gazing to the stars in silent prayer, an action that most other Imperium forces who didn't know of his heritage would find odd.

It had been too long since Dashing had enjoyed a fine meal of any kind. Years. Endless years of unremitting war and death. In his eyes, the one that sat across the table from him could easily read just that hunger, an almost feral desire, for these simple flapjacks stacked four high on his plate. However, his eyes fluttered away in slight embarrassment at having stared for so long as he settled more formally than before in his seat. Taking a fork and knife in each hoof, he cut tenderly at the sweetly scented object of his desire before capturing a single bite in his fork. Tasting it slowly, he noticed how Dash seemed rather interested to hear his response; although, to be fair, he was enjoying the taste far more than he'd ever remembered about any food before so he closed his eye and savored it as he swallowed.

When he finally opened his eye again, he was smiling so deeply and truly that his words could not be denied as he held her slightly nervous gaze. "God help me...That's the best home cooked meal I've ever had since..." His smile was tainted now, as vague memories of his childhood recurred. "M...M..." Dashing looked away, feeling an intense heartache that made him rise from the table suddenly. "I..." He began, weakly, "I'll be...need some fresh air..." Staggering to the door, he quickly exited to the living room and fled to the outside clouds where he knelt down. Prayers to Adam slipping his lips to aid him, he didn't notice Dash's following to the door to see what had happened.

Rainbow Dash came to a slow hover and landed on a cloud a fair distance away and cocked her head to the side before giving a shrug and sitting down as if nothing had happened.

It was at this moment, a hand of shadows settled softly on the Mare's shoulder. Her reaction of surprise silenced, as the ghostly figure made a gesture of quiet. His wings, bloodied and tattered, tucking behind his back as he settled in a comfortable crouch beside her. His face hidden, save for eyes that burned an intense dark blue, as though of sadness. "I'm terribly sorry to interrupt young Queen, but I can't bear witness to this any longer without you knowing all the facts." Seeing her perplexed look, he muttered, "Another time, perhaps when things are a bit more private." His hand now pointed toward the Captain, who was still sobbing and praying in the clouds nearby. "I know this shalt be rather difficult to understand...but thou art indeed thyne holy bloodline for the one whom weepth before us. Thy memory only serves his agony, or perhaps, his salvation." Fading away, within seconds, the sharply dressed Soldier of Shadows who bore Stars upon his shoulders whispered a last time, "Thy choice...Queen. Thy...choice."

Rainbow Dash took a deep breath and let it out slowly before muttering to herself, "Okay Dash, he just needs a little comfort... Yeah." Opening her eyes she could see that Dashing hadn't moved nor had he stopped praying. Deciding not to waste time she flew over silently and landed gently on the cloud next to him before draping her right wing across his back, "Hey, you can tell me anything, whats wrong?"

Several long, grueling minutes passed in near silence. A haunting, fear-invoking silence. The only change, was the twitching of Dashing's ears as those words replayed in his head over and over. A memory, ages ago, his mother had said those same words, in that same way.

*Flashback*

The day had been warm, shining, and gleeful as usual. The beautiful sun, Celestia's sun, had risen yet again over the Crystal Empire. Already, one family was awake. Not from choice, but because one very noisy little foal had roused them from the first somewhat peaceful slumber in weeks. A somewhat older man, with a younger mare, grumbling as they woke before smiling. "Another day," The man said.

"To share my love with you." The mare completed, kissing his cheek as both got up.

The man, getting dressed in his uniform, a Captain's shining armor, left immediately for the source of crying in the house. Sighing, the mare followed, but was surprised when the man stepped outside to follow the cries. In the street, her eyes narrowed in worry as she flew swiftly to the side of her husband. Gently cradling in his hands the little foal, who was crying with tears of pain. Her wing gently patting his back as she looked him over, the mare whispered softly, "Hey, you can tell me anything. what's wrong?"

*End Flashback*

"Mommy...I...Hurt." He answered, as though again a child as he turned to her at last. Tears still in his eyes, he nuzzled against her and cried, mumbling softly, "I...Hurt..Mommy. I...Need...Mommy."

Rainbow thought for a moment before pulling him closer with her wing and nuzzling his neck, "I... I'm may not be mom, but that doesn't mean that I won't give you comfort kid. Chin up, I don't think you mom would like to see you weeping, I know I don't like it..." she paused to ruffle his mane, "I've got double chocolate chunk cookies inside!" she cooed.

There had once been a light, shining and bright, guiding the Assassin towards the Emperor's side. It had seemed so beautiful, so enlightening, so enthralling. However, there was ever something wrong, that the Assassin actually turned away from it and began his return. The Emperor would just have to wait, although he sensed perhaps a faint smile coming from that light as he returned to reality.

The cold. The agony. This was all that was promised and awaited, but Telios pushed through it without care. His eyes opening, he felt an enormous pain from his chest, and the chill was deep within his bones. No matter what, he still couldn't help the smile that played on his face as he turned his head with a jolt of agony shot through his entire being. Coughing blood that froze on the remains of his chestplate in moments, he still was grinning like a madman as he met the gaze of the Battle Sister that cradled him in her arms. "H...Ho...How Be...Beaut...Beautiful." He whispered painfully, his hand raising faintly and lovingly caressing her face before falling uselessly again at his side. "I..I mi..missed...y...you so...mu..much." His expression still of hurt, it was repressed by his pure happiness that must have appeared a grimace to her.

Faintly, he noticed that the others were gone. Normally, he would be worried, but he just couldn't care for why they were gone, as he forced himself to sit up. His other arm, seemingly less useless, managed to weakly wrap around her shoulder and hold her closer.

"The others are out looking for signs of both our direction, and of the missing Templar, but you, you should rest for I am going nowhere, my love." Elizabeth cooed as she stroked my hair gently.

"No...No..." He answered softly back, "I've rested f...for thousands o...of years al...already...In the Warp...I...I've ha..had my fill." With a horrible, painful attempt at a chuckle, the Assassin coughed a little more blood before his smile returned. "B...Been..a l...lo...long time...s...since I've...h...heard...th...those t..two words..My love." He repeated, louder, as though it might be untrue if not above his pained whispers and would slip away if grasped for. "Do...Don't worry...I...I'm not g...going...Anywhere. D...Death al...already tried to...take me...f..from you and...he...he failed."

Shivering, the Assassin was reminded now of the immense cold that plagued his injury riddled body, and so he settled back against the cave wall before feeling his forehead faintly. He was burning up, which surprised him slightly. His hand settling now at his side again, he coughed, "To...Toxin must no...not be out...of my... bl...blood...yet." Seeing Elizabeth's gaze, as his smile weakened somewhat, he shook his head slowly, "I'll...be alright...Just...h...hold me...now. Please. I'm s.....so cold."

Elizabeth pulled him closer to her, revealing that she had actually removed her armor as well, and did her best to warm Telios up.

The undeniable chill of the frost was blatant, as the air whipped and assailed the large Techmarine that wandered through its deep drifts. For a while, he had been searching, alongside the Templar, in silence. They made great company, having no words needed to communicate. The sifting through the bodies left behind uncovered one secret that both shared in an uneasy silence. "He's gone." the Templar finally whispered, retrieving only a damaged helm left behind amid the remains of hundreds of Tyranids.

Placing a firm hand on the grieving Templar's shoulder, he was shrugged off before hearing a deeply saddened, somewhat angry answer to his silent comfort. "Get the hell away! Just Go! Leave me in peace to mourn my brother's loss!"

A faint nod sufficed, as the Techmarine left quietly his grieving brother. Setting a course back to the cave, his march was rather undisturbed; save for the sounds of sobs carried forth on the chilling gales. Ignoring this, a brief moment of respite was had and peaceful quiet restored before something slammed hard into Rekriel's side. Taken to the ground, a deep warmth was felt; but also the sensation of rending claws already at his throat. There was a laugh, one that the Dark Angel knew well and made even him smile slightly beneath his helm. "Should've known you'd eventually find me again." He said, gingerly shifting the claws from his neck.

"Of course, I'd find you." The voice purred in response.

"Then you know." He replied softly.

"Indeed." She answered, drawing a large, furry wolf-like creature from her belt and placing it next to him. A faint kiss, almost of fangs gently nipping the skin of his neck, were left behind. "See you later, love." She winked, fading back into the snow and leaving him alone with the beast.

"Not quite what I had in mind, but it will do for now, love." His smile grew somewhat, before fading away just as she had beneath his helm. Taking the large beast, he quickly skinned it with his servo-saws. With its pelt and meat taken, he secured both before setting to work stitching the pelt into something a bit more comfortable as he set off towards the cave.

Minutes later, he was sauntering into the entrance to the sight of Elizabeth, with no armor, cradling Telios close. There were no assumptions, however, on the Techmarine's part. He knew just what was before him, even before his logic engines confirmed it. With silence thought unattainable by men of his type, he quietly set beside the two the finished wolf fur blanket he had finished along the way. His power over fire brought him to leave a small, eternally burning flame within the cave to keep them warm and keep the mood as he left the meat for them to roast and eat at their leisure. He knew she'd notice soon enough, and use what he'd left for her.

Leaving again, the Techmarine wandered again into the snowy wastes. All the while, wondering of his own love that had so secretly visited him; and yet, at the same time, seeking perhaps her all the same as he wandered aimlessly now. Still searching, even now, along the broken road.

Reginald stopped and looked straight up at the four figures approaching him and his pony refugees from above. The four split in two and arched around the small group twice, before two of them descended down to land before the former Grey Knight.

"Who are you!" A dark blue pegasus mare with obvious cybernetic enhancements shouted, her single cyber eye seemingly zooming in on the age old Chapter Master.

"I am Reginald, Chapter Master of the Blood Raptors, this is Breaburn, and these others are survivors from the Crystal Empire and Appleloosa." The mighty knight replied.

"Major Vapor Trail, Equestrian Sky Guard..." The light blue maned pegasus stated as she looked to her airborne teammates and gave them a curt nod before they flew off towards a mountain in the distance that seemed to have a castle built on its side.

"Major, I bring bad news." Reginald said, garnering her attention.

"Kinda figured that, see, I came out here on a report from a few scouts about a massive Space Marine beating off Daemons... They also said that the town died in the process." She looked away to her right, leaving her cybernetic side to bare towards Reginald.

"Why did they not engage?" He asked, a frown forming over his lips.

"That was my question, lets just say, they are to receive lashings for their failures and, well, I am going to use them as an example to our other scouts." she replied as she received a look from her wingpony.

"Ma'am, we can't stay here, Ponyville isn't far." He stated, looking up at Reginald.

"Yes, would be best if we got the Marines together huh?" she replied before taking off, one wing dropping a blue feather while the other flashed silver.

"So... Neon Storm, what was your purpose out here exactly?" Nitronus asked as he walked next to the miniature bat pony.

"Well... Luna sent us out here to... well... kill a dragon that has sided with Sombra." Neon replied, pointing up towards a smoky cave in the distance.

"What happened here?" he inquired.

"Well, at first we thought the smoke was from the dragon, but... turned out to be from those marines and a full army of Daemons." she replied, frowning a bit.

"Your team killed the Daemons?" Nitronus actually cast his black optics towards her.

"Yes, fire breathing freaks of nature, it wasn't until those to red guys showed up that we started having trouble." She stated before raising a hoof, "We are here by the way."

"Indeed." Nitronus caught the hint to stop talking about it as he cast his gaze upwards and upon the darkness of the dragons lair.

"My mission, stay here." she said as she began forward.

"Nay, you were sent with a squad, you shan't go it alone. I will accompany you Neon." Nitronus urged as he began to follow her inside the mammoth cave.

"I'm not in the mood for anymore dead, you are staying here." her voice cracked while she spoke, as if she were still in her early teens.

"I am coming and that is final, besides, I can't just leave a young-ling to fight a dragon now can I?" Nitronus asked.

"How did you know that I am only fourteen? Wait, you didn't... crud." she stammered, a furious blush piercing her dark grey fur.

"As I said, no mere child is going to duel a dragon on her own." Nitronus chuckled slightly, his respect for this filly growing greatly.

"Fine, you can come, but do me a favor and don't kill him on sight, it is possible that the dragon that was reported was actually one of those Daemons my squad and I had slain, and not this Drake." Neon commented as she strode into a dimly lit chamber to which they could not see the top of.

"Who dares enter my home, another of those creatures on two legs I see, and a pony in armor? What would thou wish upon me?" A deep a grizzled voice boomed from the shadows of the cave.

"I am Lieutenant Neon Storm of the Equestrian Army and this is Champion Nitronus of the Loyal Blood Raptor Space Marine Chapter." Neon calmly stated back to the voice, "Did you attack the settlement due east of your home?"

"No, I did not attack it pony, but you should know that I have no love of your kind or of his! You are to leave my home at once or die like all the others who have trespassed upon my treasures!" The voice boomed as Nitronus stepped forward.

"Neon, she speaks the truth, but I believe that we may yet improve our chances against our foe if we can bring this Drake into the fold." He whispered to the small pony as he gazed intently upon the darkness.

"How would we-" Neon started before the drake roared and Nitronus snatched her up and used his own body to block the emerald flames that swirled about the two.

"Leave that to me young one." He reassured before standing up, his armor smoldering from the blast of fire, "Dragon, you have yet to tell us your name!" He shouted up to the drake in the shadows.

"I beith Emeralda, and thou beith trespassing." She boomed as another blast of emerald fire cascaded down to Nitronus' shield.

"Why do you not join us, for we fight a common foe mighty Emeralda!" The Champion shouted as he drew his force sword.

"I shall tell you what Champion, if you can defeat me in battle then I shall join you in your crusade as my father did with the General Tempest Knight." she retorted as Nitronus finally got a good look at his opponent.

"Deal." He shouted at the dark grey scaled lizard with massive wings and deep green under scales.

Emeralda wasted no time in advancing, he maw snapping just where Nitronus had been standing mere seconds before, allowing the Champion to slash his blade downwards and cut deep into her snout. Before Nitronus could pull his blade from her though she quickly rose, dragging the Blood Raptor high into the sky and into the darkness. Nitronus bashed his shield into the side of her head, just below her faintly glowing emerald eyes, eliciting a great roar of pain before she shook him off of her. Falling to the ground with his blade in hand Nitronus wasted no time in moving away from where she blasted the ground with flames.

"You move well for a bipedal creature." She stated as she batted him away from her chest with a fore claw.

Nitronus didn't reply, in fact he made no sound as he blended into the dark. Before Emeralda could assume he was dead though, he plunged his blade into her tail, eliciting yet another roar of pain, though this one was much louder than the last.

"Yield Emeralda, for I have ye now." Nitronus stated in a voice that boomed louder than that of the Dragons.

"Very well, you have won." She growled, gasping as he ripped his blade out of her pinned tail and sheathed it.

"Well fought, you should know that I have never had the honor of doing battle with a Dragon before, but by normal standards I'd say that you are on par with most of my Space Marine Brothers." Nitronus stated as he walked out of the darkness.

"I shall now join you in your battles, but do not anticipate me to hold small talk Champion." She retorted.

"So, to Ponyville now, right?" Neon asked from the caverns entrance, surprisingly calm about the two combatants emerging before her.

"Indeed." Nitronus said as the three began to walk away into the forest below them.

"My thanks to you, son of the Wolf." Trayclian whispered again, with a glance tossed to the Holy Chaplain before returning his eyes to the General. The Librarian suddenly caught a foul trail in the wind of the Warp, although he looked to Tempest and said softly. "There's a disturbance in the Warp nearby. Strong. Do you sense it as well?" He wanted to ensure he wasn't simply feeling the remnants of his power surge from moments past, as well as know he wasn't the only one as he raised his hammer to a casual defensive position in one hand.

Tempest was silent, though his body movements told the story as his ears flicked to and fro, followed by his seemingly glowing red eyes slowly scanning their surroundings, "Treeline, three contacts." he whispered in a low growl as he walked over towards a large boulder.

Maximus gave a nod and moved opposite, but refrained from engaging whomever was spying on the three; his right hand resting one the hilt of his sword just above his butt.

Trayclian was the only one to remain unmoved from his current position in the open. Silently awaiting his foes, as he had been taught by his Legions ages ago as a Neophyte and by the Primarch. Stubborn as the stones of Caliban, as thick as the trees that once filled its surface. His eyes fixed on the disturbance, studying closely in far more detail than any of the others eyes ever could as the Warp fed him an unholy sight that pierced the places he could not see and told of what he could not possibly foresee. Within a moment, he had made his decision, and so easily lowered his hammer and shook his head slowly before shouting five words. "CHAMPION! GET OVER HERE! NOW!"

There was a tone that commanded whomever called to follow the order in the Librarian's voice, one that was as commanding as the Primarch himself of ancient times past as his brow knit in concentration and expression schooled to a stern look while still watching the treeline with hammer in hand.

Suddenly the trees burst as a massive green and grey dragon flew sideways from the edge of the forest, followed by several Chaos Daemons. It wasn't long before Nitronus himself appeared clutching a Khornate Berserkers by his head all the while cutting down one or two Daemons with his blade. Then a small framed bat pony suddenly popped out of the shadows and speared another Daemon before twisting her spear out of its disintegrating husk.

"Neon, help Emeralda! Trayclian aid her! Maximus help me with these infernal traitors! You with the wings, fight something!" Nitronus bellowed as he flung his screaming traitor at another who emerged from the woods.

Trayclian's eyes latched to the Traitors that were emerging from the thick treeline, his eyes observing all in acute detail. Only seconds passed from Nitronus shouting his request, and Trayclian made another mental decision as he recognized the markings of The Lost upon several of the Berserkers shoulders and helms. "You must, You must!" It howled in his head, "Save them, they were your brothers! Do it, release me! I can save them!"

The roar that loosed from the Librarian's throat shook the earth with its intensity, and for a brief moment halted the battle as he now stared with twin pits of smoldering fire into the Berserkers that had stood still even now. They glared, as though uncertain, until the screaming finally started. Those who refused to recognize him, burned from within until nay but charred armor stood in their place. The others, now, turned on their own brethren and attacked with a furious collective roar. "Fiends! Traitors! Corrupted our minds and turned our belief! Here he stands, alive! You have lied to us, Lied!"

"Strike with the judgement of the Righteous!" Trayclian screamed, charging into battle with his hammer crackling near as loud as the thunder of a Titan's cannon. He raised it high, and slammed it into the traitors, joining those who had returned to his service. "Kill! Kill!" He roared in hatred, striking out at a Possessed Marine and shattering his entire being into shards with one blow.

Nitronus dropped both of his weapons as he grabbed onto two traitors legs and began to spin, releasing them once he saw that Tempest had flown up with both of his blades drawn. The two marines flew true and directly into the Draconian's blades, before bursting into flames.

"Little help!" Neon screamed as she was thrown into a tree, causing the massive oak to break in two.

Trayclian heard the cry of the little pony, through all the blood and the howls and the death; he had truly heard her. His twin pits of fire turned, and within a blink he was there. Standing over her, he placed a hand to her neck to check for a pulse. Finding one, he snarled, almost ferally, and a dark aura channeled to her from his hand. "Get...UP!"

He turned, facing the creature that had smashed her through the tree. "Little small, aren't you?" The possessed Librarian cackled madly, looking the Daemon in the eyes. "I love a good laugh. Come on" He gestured, his hammer withdrawn to his back. "Bare knuckles, skinny." He laughed insanely yet again, and waited for the creature's first move.

The creature, as it turned out, was a towering Bloodthirster Greater Daemon of Khorne. Its axe, as large as ten of Trayclian, slammed into the ground beside it as it let loose an earth-shaking laugh. It raised its claws, smashing them down to crush the two; but, before it could do so it was stopped abruptly. As it looked down, it saw that Trayclian had stopped it with ease. He was smiling, yawning even, as his flaming eyes burned with amusement. "Oh, you shouldn't have done that."

He laughed, darkly, as he yanked hard. The Bloodthirster was felled without nay but a small squeak and a large echo of a crater being made. It lay before him, as he walked forth and stared into its eyes before raising a greave and setting it to the lower jaw. His hand on the upper, he began to push with the new-found Daemon strength bubbling within on both ends. The Daemon yelped in pain, smashing him endlessly like a child as its maw split further and further. The Librarian all the while, laughed, and all he did was laugh as blood began to flow and the claws bounced harmlessly off his body. Eventually, there was a rip, a tear, a scream. It was over. The massive creature had been torn asunder, straight down the middle. Its soul essence came forth, and was embraced by the Librarian's hand before being crushed. "No more, that's all for you, meathead shitfucker."

The smile of the Librarian would have been warranted at his victory, til he turned back and saw Neon still laying. She was waking up. As quick as he had begun, the surge of strength withered away as Trayclian fought back for control. His sight at something, so frail, in his mind, tuned his fatherly instincts, and awoke the fire within to fight back. He howled in pain, agony, and bashed his head into the bloody ground until all was quiet again. The forest, was quiet. The Lost, stood silently by; awaiting one of their Lords commands. Eventually, the Librarian rose, and with the blood running down his face he was whole again. His eyes, still burned, as he approached, though. He knelt beside her, watching, and waiting patiently.

“Wha…? How am I? Ngj” Neon muttered almost incoherently as she tried to stand, succeeding in getting to her hooves for a few seconds but then falling back down with an obvious broken wing. “My wing, I, arg, think it’s broken.”

“Hold still Neon!” Tempest yelled as he dropped down and procured a small vial filled with a glowing orange liquid, “Drink, it shall help I promise.”

Neon greedily drank it down and gave a content sigh as everyone watched her wing glow orange for a few seconds before a pop was heard and it was fully healed. “Thank you sir.”

“Good to know you’ll be alright, was worried there for a moment.” The Librarian said, smiling faintly, although with the depths of his short possession by the Dark God still fading he still looked quite frightening to the eye as he rose and turned his burning gaze to those few Astartes who had turned on their fell brethren.

“Pray tell, what was that?” A British woman’s voice spoke from a phone as Maximus looked at the Librarian.

“Something of a pact, I made ten-thousand years ago in the Warp...though in our time, twas only twenty years.” Trayclian answered, solemnly, as the dark marines knelt and bowed their heads to him.

“Master, forgive us for our forgetfulness…” They whispered, “If it were Master Mekrail, we would be dead. Have mercy upon us, merciful Master Trayclian.”

“They are marines of past and present, who died in combat but were banished by Chaos to Tartarus. There were once hundreds of thousands...But after the Second Equestro-Human War, when Mekrail lost, they numbered only fifty-five. They were ordered by my son, er, the Captain, to spread to the stars and seek a different life. However, their loyalties still lie to him, and by extension, to me.”

Maximus walked over to one and looked at him before nodding his head slowly and walking away into the Warp. He came back moments later with a steaming pizza and a tray of soda before gesturing to everyone for them to sit.

“Is this really the time for this?” Tempest asked before his nose picked up the scent of sausage, “And is that meat?” He added, drool leaking from both his mouth and Neon’s.

The Librarian, as well as his flock of but five of the Damned, all shook their heads as what appeared to be a lumbering Terminator of sorts dressed wholly in black from head to toe shook his helmeted head. “We are but undead. We need no rest, no sustenance but the hellfires of war itself.” With a massive power sword at his back, he turned to his brothers who nodded in agreement with the warrior before he focused attention on the odd marine who had walked into the Warp. “I am Guardian, Dark Angel of Caliban’s First Company. What be ye name? Master Trayclian did not tell us.

Maximus looked up at him and crossed his legs as he passed out pizza, though it seemingly never stopped coming. He didn’t stop until every living being there had a piece and only then did he reach into the Warp and pulled out a new, hot pink, smart phone. After hacking into it and figuring out where the text to speech function was it didn’t take him long to reply, “I am Holy Chaplain Maximus, formerly of the First Company Luna Wolves, currently of the Second Company Blood Raptors.” It said for him in a French woman’s accent before Maximus began fiddling with its settings before nodding once.

“Hm, I respected the Wolves for what they were, before most of them stabbed us in the back.” If there was a frown, it was present beneath the Terminator’s helm before he turned his head to Trayclian. “Master, we know of thine great power, would it not be possible to heal of him his injuries. I smell the Warp of it, and it is strong but… It is possible, yes?”

“Indeed, despite my mild enjoyment Holy Chaplain, you deserve the right of voice.” The Librarian answered, his expression plain for Maximus to see that the Terminator could not express.

Maximus typed something out on the phone a moment before standing up while being accompanied by a dark gravelly voice that was breathing heavily into the mic, “My Emperor, just when I found a suitable voice, I can have my own back!!!?” a voice akin to Batman’s shouted, making Neon and Tempest look to one another as Emeralda and Nitronus walked over and observed, both with raised eyebrows.

“Sorry,” The Librarian smiled, “That one was spot on, reminds me of Chaplain Drakeun before his sacrifice to save us.” Walking till he was but a few paces from the Holy Chaplain, Trayclian gave him a serious, dark look. “I will have to reach far within your soul and the Warp to taketh back what was stolen. It will be painful, particularly, for me. but I would make that sacrifice for any of my brothers. do you wish for me to proceed?”

“Only if you wish to do so, I am content with this…” Maxi replied in Batman’s voice as he pointed to the pink phone, “Also, will this affect my Warp vacations?” Everyone who was present aside from Trayclian and his followers looked at Maximus as if he had walked out of Canterlot wearing no pants with a pink tutu on his head.

“No, but it certainly will affect mine for a little bit…” The Librarian tried to make a chuckle, but he knew laughter was futile for him for he’d not had a day off since his birth on Terra many millennia ago. “I hope you don’t mind, this will feel a bit, invasive.” With his eyes burning furiously, and darkness seemingly overtaking much of his form, Trayclian suddenly lashed out and punched straight through the Holy Chaplain’s chest and together the two froze in place as time and space around them faded from their senses.

What the Holy Chaplain could see now, was the ethereal plane of the Warp. Not unlike his usual trips, but utterly different in a sense as well. looking around, there was no sign of the Librarian until suddenly a boot that looked like it was made for a size five-thousand foot stepped beside him. looking up, it was clear that the dark, armored, malicious form that stood beside him were Trayclian. Only just, for it seemed everywhere the Librarian changed and moved as wildly in his bodily form as the Warp itself as he churned forth with a booming tone. “Follow me, I can smell where my brothers have hidden it.” So it were, a voice not the Librarian’s, one more ancient and crazed, spoke in his place. “Fuckers, why’d they have to put it in Slaanesh’s realm? I like my ladies, but just dayum!”

Maximus did as he was told, though he did remove his helmet as he followed the massive figure. Walking for a time, there seemed to be nothing that pursued them nor neared them. This, in fact, was strange, but the Librarian dismissed it as he laughed maniacally. “They know I’m bat-shit crazy, they wouldn’t dare invoke a response from me at all!” Eventually, there came a singular overly-extravagant palace in sight, which made Trayclian snicker as he kicked his foot straight through the gate and called. “Hey bitch, your slavemaster’s here!” Stepping inside, he looked about before gesturing Maximus close his eyes as to not be corrupted by the things Slaanesh left as traps for mere mortals who wandered inside. There was the sound of death, mostly massive feet stomping something, then moving on as they meandered down corridors and spiraling hallways of sin and vice. Eventually, there were a few exchanged words, the sound of a fist slapping someone’s face, laughter, and then suddenly Maximus was scooped up in the Librarian’s massive hand and they were running for the gate with what sounded like a very angry woman on their tail. “I love ya sis, but not today!” The Librarian shouted, kicking down the gate once again as it had reformed before making his escape.

Running for a time, he eventually stopped when the sounds of a woman chasing them had ceased. Huffing, he set Maximus down before kneeling to where he was closer. “I don’t have much time left, my control is slipping. This is going to seem weird, but,” Suddenly, the God first smashed Maximus where he stood before placing a very small portion of dark Warp energy in his mouth and then screaming and falling back immediately after doing it. The sheer willpower it took to replace what had been taken, combined with the exertion of maintaining his physical form and control in the Warp quite nearly killed him as both were ejected violently to reality once more.

Maximus flew back as a black aura surrounded him, plowing into the ground dark laughter echoed from everywhere. “Thank you my friend, I can call you that yes?” A deep voice with a slight British accent to it boomed as the ground shook and a figure stood in a massive cloud of dust. At least at the height of a Deredeos Pattern Dreadnought the Holy Chaplain stood, though his armor now crackled slightly with energy as he slowly tested his limbs, “Though admittedly this wasn’t expected… I blame the Warp.”

“Maximus, is that…?” Nitronus muttered, actually finding himself to be at a loss for words.

“Well then, that was different…” Tempest stated as he galloped over to where Trayclian had flown back to, Neon next to him as Emeralda moved a few fallen trees out of their path.

“Emperor… I’m not one for complaining but...THAT SHIT HURT!” The Librarian shouted, hoarsely, before passing out abruptly where he lay embedded inside the trunk of the final tree. Totaling the numbers, he had flown through at least fifteen.

“Well, he seems okay…” Tempest said, having already procured another vial of the unknown orange liquid.

“Is anything broken sir?” Neon asked, placing her nose almost to the Librarian’s own.

With a sudden surge, There was lash out as the Librarian’s eyes flashed with fire. “GET BACK!” He roared, smashing her away from him before coming undone from the tree and falling to a knee. “Urg...Emperor… It’s getting worse…” He coughed, shaking himself slightly before rising as he blinked at what he had just done. “These hands, I swore they’d never bring harm to an innocent again… Forgive me.”

“It’s okay…” Neon Meekly said as she was untangled from a tree by Emeralda and placed on the ground, her muzzle slightly bloodied but easily taken care of by Tempest.

“What ails you Trayclian?” The old General asked, his tone purely curious, most likely to see if he had anything that could help.

“Simple General, within him he wields a God, Anarchy, my new Patron, though loyal I remain to the Emperor, Anarchy shall restore the Galaxy!” Maximus explained, earning a very confused look from Nitronus as he tried desperately to figure out what was going on.

“Better if you don’t even try...I had enough trouble explaining it to Mekrail, and he’s my own kin.” The Librarian finally said, giving a faint nod in thanks to the Holy Chaplain. “Just, pray that when the time comes, I will have strength to control it.”

“You shall.” Maximus replied, before looking at a random spot and shifting his voice, “And that be all folks!” He shouted before aiming a bolter towards the spot he was looking and firing a single oversized round akin to that of a Fellblades main armament. A single body flared to existence before turning to ash. Clearing his voice, “Damn Chaos Traitors, if you shall require aid just holler, I needed to be at the movies two minutes ago for my date.” Maximus stated as he turned and walked through the warp to a sunny place with primitive looking yet advanced technology where Humans and Ponies, along with many other unidentifiable creatures and Xenos strode about in their own business.

“Damn...At least he can go to the movies...I’ve still got to find the Captain and…” The Librarian paused, as Nitronus looked to him. “What? Something wrong with what I said?”

“Actually that was the reason of my coming to you Librarian, the good Captain and I upon arrival were in Canterlot, he remains there I imagine in their medical facility, as he was badly injured. Rest assured that he lives… Though if not for Hellscream’s intervention I fear he may not have.” Nitronus stated, knowing that if Trayclian were to be angered he could easily be dead as he mouthed prayers to the Emperor from behind his helm.

Trayclian stood, silent, mouth moving as though a fish out of water. For long minutes, the Librarian came to terms with what was said before visible signs showed. Three blood vessels popped as his eye twitched. Remaining silent, the Librarian suddenly turned on his heel, despite the dangers of using his Warp powers again after being so weakened by reining in the Dark God within him for so long, he ripped a massive tear in the Warp that heralded immediate arrival into the medical bay. Stepping into it, the portal remained open as if inviting the others to tag along. Before Nitronus could make a move however, a fist came flying out that smashed him upside his helm and knocked him back some.

Nitronus stumbled back but caught himself, looking at the Warp he once again remembered why he had wanted to kill Maximus originally, but kept his mouth shut as he was not in the company, nor would he ever be in the company, to voice those opinions. Stepping through the Warp with Neon, Tempest, and the other Marines who had remained silent they found themselves back in the capitol and more importantly, in the medical wing, which Nitronus made certain to move out of instantly, not wanting to be near the Captain or anyone else.

Tempest and Neon however remained, both setting their gazes upon the bedridden Marine as Tempest pulled out an ancient tomb and began sifting through it. Neon however made a point to get closer, though she remained a fair distance from the Librarian as she did so.

By now, past the initial shock, Trayclian had since moved to the bedside of his secret son. Standing beside him, he surveyed the immense and horrendous damage as he calmly took the Captain’s hand in his own. Silent tears stained his cheeks, and he sobbed in silence as the Inquisitor studied him. The Terminator, Guardian, was the first to make approach. He stood beside the Librarian, finally removing his helm and revealing a burn-stricken face that no longer seemed human for its disfigurement defied the laws of what should be alive. He and his brethren, they mourned their Master in quiet for a long time with Trayclian before one noticed the Warp energy slowly seeping from the Captain to the Librarian. Blueblood stood opposite him, and watched with uncertainty before realizing what was occurring and nodding faintly in thanks before taking a step back from the bed and giving him room to work.

“Taking away that which prevents us from healing him…” Guardian whispered, “Master, you are already so weak…”

“I will be strong enough, for this.” He replied, cold anger and pain in his tone.

“At least allow us to aid thee, You know I have no need of my organs and implants and I am a match.” Taking his own power fist, he wrenched apart his chestplate before cutting stitches across his chest to reveal that in fact his body was intact beneath the scarred surface. “Taketh what you need Master, I will await.”

“Thank you Guardian…” Trayclian replied stiffly, though gratefully, as he looked about for a moment to take notice of what he would need. Ultimately, it came down to nearly everything, for the chest of the Captain had been obliterated. An hour passed, two, and the Librarian worked ruthlessly and calmly to ensure every organ and implant fitted where it need to be. “There…” The Librarian whispered, “Now we need only wake him...But that knowledge, I have none.”

“I do, Master.” Another Marine replied, approaching to which he revealed himself to have previously been an Apothecary in life of the Ultramarines. “Apothecary Gadran, at your service.”

Making room, the Librarian allowed his fellow to begin the process of reviving the sleeping Captain. For long minutes, nothing happened as the Apothecary chanted, making extensive use of his tools to reawaken organs and implants as well as body and mind. Eventually, the Librarian watched as the Captain’s eyes began to flutter. He gestured everyone back away, and was still holding tightly now to Mekrail’s bionic hand on his left side as the man came back to the world.

“W...Wha?” Was all the Captain managed, as his groggy gaze glanced about and saw odd colorful shapes of the people present before falling at last upon the Librarian beside him. “Oh Emperor...an Astartes!?” Clasping a hand to his mouth, he muttered apologies for his reaction and made Trayclian look at him oddly. “Sorry my Lord, I...I’ve never seen one of the Angels of Death before…”

“What are you talking about Mekrail?” The Librarian asked, confused as he released hold of the Captain’s hand.

“You know my name!?” Mekrail said, surprised. “I wouldn’t presume myself to be of any note to such a highly respected man as yourself, my Lord.”

“Of course I know your name Captain, why wouldn’t I?”

“I’m not a Captain my Lord...I’m just a PDF Sergeant?” Now Mekrail was confused, as he turned his gaze, only to find himself looking into the eyes of Neon. Reacting fearfully, he literally jumped from his Hospital bed with cries to the Librarian. “Protect me my Lord! it is a dreadful Xeno!”

“What?” Neon said, raising a brow as Tempest found himself levitating a large a rather knotted tree root out of his saddlebag.

“Librarian, if I may?” He asked, the root hanging over his head as he never tore his gaze from his tome.

“They know you!?” Mekrail said, fearful for his life as he looked now at the Librarian as if he were hostile himself. Taking a lunge, he grabbed Trayclian’s bolt pistol from his hip before suddenly shooting him where he stood and sending him back a few steps. “You’re no honorable Astartes...You’re a Traitor! You’re all Traitors!” He screamed, firing only one more round in warning before rushing away as fast as he could move and making it out the door of the medical bay.

Trayclian, as well as the others, merely stood shocked and unable to say or do much of anything. Especially the Librarian, who felt he’d been rejected by both his own son and his own best friend after being shot and called a Traitor. He sat, head against a medical bed, crying this time where all could hear as he covered his face.

“I’m going to retrieve him before one of two things happens, A- He kills somepony, B- Luna or a guard vapes him… starting to regret sharing a few of my more lethal spells…” Tempest shouted before shutting his tome, setting down the stick and beating his wings once, causing a mild shock wave to form as he blasted out into the halls in pursuit of the Captain.

Mekrail had never been so scared in his life. First, he’d woken up in a strange hospital, with one of what he presumed to be the most Honorable and prestigious of the Astartes Loyalists Chapters Librarians standing next to him. Then he’d only come to find they were all Traitors, consorting with Xenos. He’d have never thought in his whole life he’d see a Dark Angel turn, for they had been of such high Honor and legend among his soldiers of the Plains World. And then there was that question. He didn’t know at all where he was, and that frightened him only more so as he heard voices searching for him and the sound of things moving about down several different corridors. No, I’m not letting these Traitors and Xenos take me...I will not be corrupted...I must get away...I will get back home, and see that asshole of a friend James and my girl, Delphine… These thoughts assured the Captain, as he ducked away from the searchers and down another corridor before bumping into Nitronus head on.

“Ow fucking Emperor’s throne watch where you’re…” Mekrail suddenly started shaking, his pistol raised as he took a single step back. “Another Traitor!? Don’t move, or I’ll shoot you!” He kept his voice under control, to prevent others from hearing, but he still visibly shook in the presence of Nitronus and was muttering prayers to the Emperor to help him survive and make it home alive.

“... Why would you… Did you hit your head? Mekrail what is thine issue?” Nitronus asked, catching himself as he took a step back, having a fully grown astartes crash into you would make even the firmest of his brothers falter, if only for a moment.

“How do you Traitors all know my name!? What do you want with me!?” The Captain managed only enough courage to fire once, and he missed, before he stared wide-eyed and reaffirmed his aim. “Tell me, now! How do you know me!? Why do you need me here!?”

Nitronus then actually realized to whom he was speaking to and stared a moment, I knew they could revive him fully, he thought to himself before answering the questions, “First off I am no traitor, as none of my kin are… Former Raven Guard Veteran Captain Nitronus. Secondly Captain, that would be you by the way, fought alongside of me and my brothers in the Blood Raptors not that long ago getting transported to this strange new place, though you knew it from before…” Nitronus paused a moment before taking off his helm, “I can tell by your face that you didn’t understand a word I said, come to the gardens with me and calm down, I shall explain more thoroughly and in simpler terms. "Maybe even perhaps figure out how to shock your memory back into being a thing again.” The Champion commanded as he reached out to take the pistol.

“No...No!” Mekrail shouted, firing a single round that barely grazed the Astartes before him as he stared in disbelief. “The Emperor has forsaken me…” He whispered, turning on his heel and running as fast as he could away. “I will not listen to the lies of a Chaos spawn!” He shouted, nearly insanely, as he cut down a hall to his left and then his right. He had no idea if anyone were on his heels and he didn’t care or dare to look back as he broke into what appeared to be a library of sorts.

Nitronus took off at a dead sprint, dropping his helmet and shield and only focussing on the Dark Angel fleeing before him, “Come back here, no one calls me a member of those shitty pieces of fracking shit! No offence Maxi!” Nitronus yelled after him as they rounded a bend, coming out to a library.

“None taken.” Maxi said from nowhere as the sounds of oriental music and a “Shakabouy” was heard.

“I’m not even going to ask…” Nitronus face palmed before staring down Mekrail.

“What the Fuck!? More Daemons? Emperor, what did I do to deserve such a fate!?” Mekrail cried, his weapon clicking empty before he tossed it aside and was backed against a wall. With nowhere to go, he was cornered like a beast. Knowing full well he would lose to the Astartes, he said a single prayer. “Delphine...I’m sorry, I won’t be making it home..May the Emperor not forsake you, as he has me.” He whispered, putting his fists up as he prepared to defend himself and die in one last desperate battle.

“I’m not going to hit you Mekrail, I owe you my life.” Nitronus said as he walked in and closed the door, though a shadow managed to slip in before it had shut. “Stand down and perhaps I may stay true to my word.”

“Traitors owe me nothing save their death!” Mekrail screamed, “And you lie, you would not keep your word I know it! Come on! Come on!” Already accepting his fate, Mekrail advanced with intent to strike first. Feinting a jab with his right, Mekrail came in with a thunderous left hook that he knew would be caught before it even began. Thankfully, it was his bionic hand, not his normal one, although it still registered with slight pain on his face.

“You should not have done that brother.” Nitronus said darkly, narrowing his eyes before his own bionic hand began to crush Mekrail’s slightly, the groaning of metal reverberating off of the walls.

With a single tear coming just from this pain, the Captain found strength in only the thought that he still had to try and get home to his friends and beloved as he shouted, “You are no brother of mine!” and then spat in his face before kicking him away harshly with what remained of his greave. His hand regenerated slowly, repairing itself as Mekrail glanced at it in surprise before returning focus to his foe.

Nitronus wasted no time, even in his red and bone armor he managed to almost blend with his surroundings, making little to no noise as he grabbed Mekrail from behind with his bionic arm over his neck, and his organic arm grabbing his Necrodermis limb. “I DO NOT WISH TO HARM YOU BUT I WILL IF YOU DO NOT STAND DOWN CAPTAIN!” He shouted, his voice actually breaking a nearby window.

“I will never stand down, you’re just going to have to kill me!” Mekrail shouted in reply, twisting himself somewhat of the Champion’s grasp like he had been shown in his Training period in the PDF and delivering a heavy jab to the side of his opponent’s face to get him off of him. “I will see my love before the day’s over, or I will die trying you foul Traitor!”

“I am no traitor Mekrail, I never have been one, never will be one! I for Emperor sakes attacked a pony when we got here, albeit for the wrong reasons, and you were, and should still be angry with me for it, but at this current FUCKING moment I am going to look past my own self punishment and bring you back you annoying piece of Tau SHIT!” Nitronus lost it as he began charging Mekrail before at the last moment rolling to the right and sweeping out his legs, “You fight a Pre-Heresy, no survivor of the Heresy Raven Guard, be happy I don’t wish you dead you stubborn mule!”

Falling face first, Mekrail landed on the hard floor and earned a bloody nose as a result. Feeling that crimson taste in his mouth, he felt a brief moment of surging underlying rage that seemed to empower him as he felt a cold anger reaching to the depths of his being at this Astartes. Kicking out with a spin, he too downed the Raven Guard before jumping up and slamming down hard on his back. “I will kill you for fucking betraying me you bastard! You will know my pain I have felt for taking me from my family!” Kicking him savagely, he sent the Champion into a bookshelf nearby before he found himself huffing with rage he now fought to suppress and keep in check.

Nitronus threw him off almost savagely, all restraint now lost as he unclasped his blade from his hip and tossed it aside, “I will defeat thee with my bare hands, and then I will shove the truth down your throat so far that you won’t be able to eat for a month!” Nitronus was no longer pussy footing around as he blatantly charged his adversary and planted his bionic arm into a bone shattering, would be fatal if not an Astartes, blow to the others chest, sending Mekrail careening through the library and through countless tomes of knowledge.

Mekrail coughed and spluttered, trying desperately for a single breath, but finding near none in his body. My lungs Was all he could think, not knowing how to switch over to the implanted third one as he actually fell to his knees and coughed blood. Falling over on his side, he struggled for any gasp of air left as his vision started to fade somewhat and darken. It was then that the shadow that had entered the room approached him.

“Good, you’ve stopped moving, drink this.” Tempest off hoofedly said as he shoved a potion down Mekrails throat. The liquid tasted like fire and sparked a massive pain in his lungs as his eyes shone gold for a moment. But the moment of breath was interrupted by a massive pressure on his back when Nitronus decided to sit down and shake his head. “And this.” Tempest said as he shoved yet another vial down Mekrail’s throat, this one green in color. Then images flashed before Mekrail’s eyes as memories returned, albeit still broken and fragmented, but clearer than previously.

“Can I get off him now?” Nitronus asked, receiving a nod from the Draconian before standing and offering a hand of assistance. “I really didn’t wish to fight you you know.”

Mekrail sat up, gasping for breath that he could at last take freely once again. He had seen his death, so nearly, as he held his chest to steady himself a moment. Eventually, the Captain turned slowly to face the Champion, his eyes still unsure but not so much looking at him or Tempest as hostile. “D...Don’t lie to me…” He muttered, rejecting any offer of help as he remained seated. “That punch was meant to kill me, I know that much from training…”

“You have a third lung, didn’t know you didn’t know how to turn it on… Take it from the guy who has lost his before.” Nitronus replied, a off hand chuckle, “I won’t lie, I may have put too much into that punch but then again… I am not used to fighting without the intent to kill.”

“You should see a doctor about that…” Tempest said before turning his attention to Mekrail, "How do ye feel Captain, anything seem clearer now?”

“I feel like shit, that’s how I feel.” Mekrail replied, before looking to Nitronus. “And I was fucking lost in memories...of when I wasn’t, an Astartes...What did you expect?” His eyes glared at the Champion, realizing he at least knew that he was in fact an Astartes again before looking to Tempest. “I know I’m not supposed to kill you...not anymore at least...But I… I don’t seem to recall much more… W..Where’s Del…” He paused, shaking his head as confusion came to him again.

“It shall come to you in time, I shall not push it any further as I have already used too much Ambrosia and Nectar upon ye as it stands.” Tempest stated, looking away as if a painful memory had struck him between the eyes.

“I shan’t ask for forgiveness Mekrail, merely tolerance.” Nitronus stated as he walked over to where his sword lay, “Last time I lost my temper I made a Bloodthirster shit itself…” He added in an afterthought.

“Emperor’s blood...please, don’t leave me like this I…” Mekrail said, gripping tightly to the Draconian’s shoulder with a pained look in his own eyes at the mess of his mind. “I have to know...I don’t care what it takes… I don’t want to be like this. Walking around for my life, never knowing what’s real or fake.”

“You will sort it out, I can no longer help you with it… I wish I could, but alas the effects of another dose would certainly kill you.” Tempest stated, now bringing forth the true danger of his Alchemy.

“Do not fret, I shall not leave you until your head is clear, it should all return in time Mekrail, in time.” Nitronus said, once again offering him a hand up. “Let’s take a walk Cap.”

“You should know if I didn’t take your hand the first time, I won’t accept it this time.” Mekrail said, faintly recalling how stubborn he was briefly as he forced himself to rise on his own and stand. “I will take that walk though, I need some fresh air, I think.”

Reginald walked calmly, though his senses were on high alert, with the survivors as they emerged from the woods and into Ponyville. The scene before him was serene, almost surreal, as he gazed about, the armored pegasi flew above them before one of them broke formation and made a shot for a massive crystalline tree.

“Proceed through the town towards the Tree, we’ll see you there Chapter Master!” Vapor shouted as she lived up to her name and left a trail of soft white clouds behind her as she flew.

“Full of energy, yet knowing of war, if only every soldier I had met was like that.” Reginald muttered.

“Eh, can ya blame her? Tha way I heard she an’ a hoof ful of others that Princess Luna’s got spread out are survivors of tha Initial Contact War.” Braeburn stated his eyes falling on a farm in the distance, “Wonder if ah could visit Applejack while we’re here?”

“Always trust in the veterans, they’ve been through the fires before, and they can usually take a Hell of a lot more.” Reginald chuckled, as they entered Ponyville proper and could see the Castle Gate sitting wide open with an arrangement of seven ponies plus a Dragon.

“Chapter Master Reginald, allow me to introduce you to Princess Twilight Sparkle and four of her ponies on the friendship council.” Vapor stated before taking a step back and observing from the sidelines.

“Greetings Princess…” The word did not roll off his tongue so much as fall off and cause several nuclear detonations. “I come in peace as well as seeking my fellow Astartes.”

“I appreciate the formality, Chapter Master, but just call me Twilight.” The Princess replied, taking note of the mentioning of his fellows before recalling her previous moments with the Librarian. “Oh yes, I met your friends a short while ago, though where Trayclian may have in fact gone now remains a mystery to me.” she gave a small, confused look, as she had truly enjoyed the short time she’d shared with the Librarian before his odd flight and now sudden disappearance with his fellow the Holy Chaplain as well.

“The Librarian of the Dark Angels, who else?” Reginald asked as Vapor walked over to speak with Braeburn.

“Maximus I think.” Twilight replied, the others all looking on but unsure as to how they should speak with him.

“If it was Maximus, then you should have no fear, they are probably off to join the others, if not in their company as of right now.” Reginald sated, a small smile behind his helm, “For now however I believe these refugees need safety.”

“Yes, which is why my castle is open to them, though Braeburn, Applejack wished to know if you would like to stay at Sweet Apple Acres?” Twilight inquired.

“I rekon I ‘ave no reason why I shouldn’t, t’would be a pleasure AJ.” Braeburn replied, tipping his hat as the other ponies began to file in behind Vapor.

“Reginald, as of now I am the official guard for these ponies and this town, will you be remaining with us here until the others send word, or travel to Canterlot to see if Princess Luna has seen them anywhere?” Vapor asked, her light blue cyber eye fixing itself on the Grey Knight.

“I shall remain here for the time being, but thank you for my next destination’s name.” He replied as they all walked into the castle and out of sight.

Author's Note

Tempest-

Okay so this is a thing... Of course it is... Also anyone want to guess at the movie Maxi is watching?
We are all aware that this is not cannon right?

Death has nothing to say, I think he's preoccupied with that 'game for my soul' thing again, last I checked it was DnD, sweet Luna have mercy I suppose I'll see him again in a few hundred years...

Death-

On this day, on this hour, my guns fell silent. The world at last knew a peace it has never known before, as the war against Nerd Rage was ended by the full withdrawl of a one Major-General Death's entire Army.

Tempest-

Scratch that, how's the DnD going?

Death-

I think I'm preoccupied with kicking the ever-loving shit out of your ass, that's what. And I don't play DnD, I play Warhammer tabletop you twit...I'd think you'd know that by now.

Tempest-

See you all before I lose my soul again... and Hades needs to interfere... again...