Perpetual Torment

The blade of your axe embedded against the side of the hickory tree. Beads of sweat rolled down your forehead, down your exposed, sticky chest. You had been chopping at this baby for hours, and she was finally about to fall. Your hands gripped the wooden handle tighter, as you detached and swung once again.

Again and again, you swung into the side of the tree, every swing harder than the last, until before long you were grunting like a caveman.

With one final strike, the large tree shuddered, fibers at the base splintered and cracked as it begun it's rapid descent.

"Heads up! Timber!" You would yell out, motioning your fellow men to step aside.

The tree smashed against the ground with a booming thud, earth rumbling all around at the impact. You wiped some sweat from your brow, your ripped chest rose and fell with labored breath.

"My my~... Such a vulgar display of power." The sweetest voice you've ever heard graced your ears, like the sound of a flowing river from the heavens above.

You turned around to confront the beautiful sounding stranger, surprised to find a tall, white pony trotting towards you. Her eyebrows were up in amusement, pillowy lips curved upwards in a playful grin. Her pastel, rainbow mane cascaded down her body, glistening and shining in it's magical perfection.

Your fellow men gathered around the large tree, as they begun to de-bark and de-branch it. You gave a welcoming smile to the gorgeous stranger, and placed your axe blade into the dirt, resting on the handle. "Oh please, that wasn't even half of my full power... You outta see me when I'm angry." You cracked a wry smirk of your own, teasing her back.

The strange lady cocked an eyebrow higher than the other, her grin widened. "Oh? Well I'm sure if I ever did anything to make such a strong man as yourself angry, we would have to find something for you to take that energy out on."

Caught off guard, your grin faded as you blinked a couple times. Not a second later you recomposed yourself, adjusting your stance. "What do you mean by that?"

She turned her head away, keeping her magenta eyes fixated on you. "Well, I suppose that depends. What do you think I meant?" She pursed her lips, her innocent voice and face betrayed the playfully naughty look in her eyes.

"You coming onto me?"

The majestic, flirty stranger simply hummed at your question, turning her attention towards the large tree. "You and your people are making wonderful progress, may I ask what the lumber will be used for?" Her golden regalia sparkled and shined brightly in the summer sun, glistening with perfection.

She was royalty, no doubt about it. You never cared for royals yourself, but there was something about this one. She's a head hancho, sure, but she's playful in all the right ways. Willing to set aside the formalities for a little fun whenever possible.

You rocked your weight back and forth on the handle of your axe, as you glanced from the tree back to the stranger. "Yeah, it's hickory. We're using it for... Furnishings? Yeah, I think so... Bed frames, chairs, dressers, that sort of thing." You waved your hand in the direction of the fallen tree. "The wood-workers are whipping up some barrels of stain. It'll look absolutely beautiful when it's finished. It gives the wood a deep, mocha color."

The tall pony's mouth was curled in a genuine smile, her eyes never once left you. Every word you spoke to her was fascinating, and she wanted to know every little detail.

"That sounds absolutely wonderful. You people are putting such love and care into your work. I have been spectating from a far, and I must say I am very impressed."

Those eyes. That smile. There's something about this one, her presence is as radiant as the sun itself. All your worries inside faded away with every second of her company.

"Bow before me, peasants!" A snooty, nasally posh voice caught you and the pony's attention. Yards away, looking around in every direction, Nobleman Yerick searches for something. "Have any of you filthy peasants seen Sire Anonymous?! I have been looking up and down for his stubborn rear!"

Your shoulders would slump, eyes locked on the man who was barely taller than five feet. After several turns of his head, and mumbled conversations from your men, Yerick found you and proceeded to power-walk his way over.

"Sire Anonymous! Have you any idea how long I have been searching for you?!" His curly mustache glistened in the summer sun, the pits of his shirt damp with sweat.

You knew alright. It's the main reason you picked up an axe in the first place. This little runt always found a way to drag you back into politics.

"Oh? Royal business you must attend to?" The delightful stranger asks, eyebrows raised as she watched the short man approach.

"I wouldn't call it royal." You groaned out, before swinging the axe above your head and embedding it into the hickory tree.

"Your presence at the castle has been requested at once! King Valerian has requested that you-" As Yerick approached, he preformed an over-dramatic double take. "Dear lords! You're absolutely filthy! What on equis are you doing working with the low class anyway?"

Your eyebrow would twitch, as you glared down at him. "It's called helping, Yerick. You should try it sometime."

"Nobles do not associate with such filthy peasants! You should know better." About this time, Yerick noticed your visitor. With eyes wide and mouth agape, he bowed to her. "I am terribly sorry about this, I hope you are satisfied with the progress we are making."

The tall, horned and winged pony would simply smile and nod. "I was just telling this fine gentleman how grateful I am for his services. I cannot express my gratitude enough."

Yerick went red in the face, before snapping out of his egotistical thoughts. "I am sorry to end the pleasantries, but this rascal right here" - Yerick grabbed your massive, sweaty forearm - "needs to be attending a very important meeting with the King, and must leave at once."

With a glare and a sharp tug, you released yourself from his tiny hand. "Let me guess, Ceolmund got his hand stuck in the cookie jar again?"

The pony stranger brought a regalia covered hoof to her mouth to stifle a giggle.

Yerick glared up at you, grabbing your arm and pulling you away from the worksite. "Just get a move on, why don't you!"

As you're pulled away, you turned around to offer a single wave to the stranger. "See you around, Horse Lady."

"Have a wonderful day, Slayer." She would smile, watching you as you walked away.

...

"Slayer?" She would call out, causing you to stare back into her own eyes.

...Slayer?

"Slayer, is something on your mind?" Celestia asks, looking into your visor with concern, the sun from the balcony window behind her cascades her pale body in it's warm embrace.

God damn it Anonymous, get it together. That's the second time today you've dozed off.

Situation report: It's been four days since Dodge Junction suffered a demonic outbreak, and a lot has happened since then.

For starters, after the interrogation of the captured changeling, Celestia dispatched groups of ponies from 'The Council of Celestial Tranquility' to go undercover and locate changeling activity. The two locations revealed were Ponyville and Manehattan, though Celestia warns there have been ritual attempts across the country. Dodge Junction itself has been entirely ridden of it's corruption, but it's an absolute wreck. The damage to the terrain is almost irreparable, and there was discussion of building anew somewhere else.

Second, and this one is very aggravating: Celestia does not want you stepping foot outside of Canterlot, or even the castle until the exact location of the changeling hideouts has been uncovered. She said something about how she fears you'll do more harm than good wandering around looking for them.

Thanks, Horse Lady. Speaking of which, that reminds you.

Third, and this is the reason you, Celestia, and several of her guard and servants are crowded in this small room; Your public welcoming announcement to Equestria. Photos and news articles swept the nation after your appearance in Ponyville, and they were only amplified once you 'cleansed out' Dodge Junction. Celestia has decided that the best course of action is to make a public speech in front of the castle, where she will calm worries of the outbreaks, as well as officially welcome you into Equestria.

Through the glass door which leads out to the room's balcony, you can see the massive crowd of ponies below. Cameras flash, as ponies speak with themselves, the crowd spreads down the street for blocks. Celestia is looking over a fancy piece of parchment, rehearsing her speech as her servants prepare the area.

Dread fills your heart as Celestia reads over her lines. You're not scared to face the crowd, you're scared because you know what will come after. You've seen this too many times in the past for it to be coincidence. You'll save a planet, a species, a civilization from the clutches of Hell and be paraded around as their hero. The celebration always acts as a milestone, the beginning of their final moments.

Argent D'nur, Earth, anywhere you tread will eventually die out completely. All you can do is sit here and look at the love of your life, Your constant attention is causing her composure to falter. Celestia gives rapid glances from behind her parchment, constantly checking to see if you are still looking, and every time without fail she gets more and more flustered.

"Slayer, it is rude to stare." She says, her voice playful.

You're not gonna let anything happen to her. No matter the cost.

"Your Highness, it's time." A unicorn assistant speaks up, bowing before the alicorn.

Celestia nods her head, as she levitates the parchment over to the assistant, who takes it without hesitation. As if she can sense your dread, she walks over in front of you, nuzzling against your neck. "Everything will be fine, Slayer. I promise you."

You can't help but close your eyes at her contact, leaning your head against her own.

Celestia pulls away from you, before turning around to face the balcony door. "Just stay in here for now. When I call your name and turn to face the door, walk out onto the balcony." With that, trumpets and horns blare from outside, signalling the start of the speech. The crowd roars in anticipation, as Celestia magics open the door, walking out into the open with eternal grace.

Each step she takes is calculated and precise, with no room for error. Her hips sway as every hoof lands onto the floor, regalia clinking.

Maybe you're in the wrong, for hiding away. Doesn't she deserve to know that you're alive?

The roar of applause and cheers slowly die down as the trumpets and horns finish their song. "My dearest subjects! I stand before you today with a heavy heart. As I am sure many of you are aware, the quaint town of Dodge Junction underwent a terrible invasion. Beasts from the underworld were aided by a juvenile, and ignorant mind. Many of you saw the pictures, the smoke rising across the Equestrian skyline. I am deeply saddened to announce Dodge Junction has been all but demolished entirely.

"These monsters of the dark realm ravaged the town with brutal efficiency, corrupting the very soil my little ponies constructed on top of. Their hatred and savagery was unlike anything Equestria has ever faced, and I fear this is only the beginning of a troubled time.

"But there is hope. Despite the terrible destruction, the heinous violence these creatures displayed, the brave mayor of Dodge was able to lead his ponies to safety. Casualties did occur, but thanks to the quick wit of those involved I am happy to announce there were no fatalities."

The crowd roars in applause, stomping their hooves at the news.

Celestia closes her eyes with a gentle smile, raising a wing to motion the crowd to calm. "There is someone else who deserves Equestria's gratitude. Some of you may have heard rumors of him, or perhaps have encountered him face to face."

Celestia's horn lights up, as she creates a minimalistic slideshow which depicts a brief history of your time here. Albeit toned down in violence. The first scene displays you walking into Dodge Junction, ponies cowering in fear as you loot and steal. The art-style is on par with her stained glass windows. "Upon his arrival, he was thought to be a monster. He destroyed and looted from multiple businesses, costing thousands in bits."

Once again the picture changes, displaying you bowing before herself and Luna. Your hands are gripping her hoof as you pressed it to your helmet. "He came to me and my sister, explaining to us his situation. He meant no harm to ponykind, or even the business owners. The stranger was displaced from his home-world, and was trying to return to stop a massive invasion beyond my own comprehension."

The picture changes to a depiction of Dodge Junction on fire, with you knee-deep in combat. Off to the side, Royal guards and Mayor Buckington are leading a crowd of ponies away from the town. "Despite finding out he will never be able to return, he has sworn alliance to Equestria, and fought off the hordes of hell-spawn. His strength is limitless, his will is forged in iron, and steadfast. His quick wit and ferocity saved the lives of countless, including the life of Shining Armor; captain of the Royal Guard.

"Though his ways are violent, he has proven himself to be an ally Equestria shall cherish for the rest of time. Please help me to welcome Slayer to our great nation."

Celestia opens a wing towards the balcony door, looking inside as the crowd goes wild behind her. Fighting back the dread in your chest, you rise from your seat and emerge onto the balcony. The warmth of the sun is the first thing you feel, it's not uncomfortably hot, yet not too cool. The crowd roars louder as you make your appearance, whistling and cheering as some even jump up and down. Camera flashes sparkle over the crowd as you scan your gaze over the ocean of ponies.

Celestia is looking over at you, a genuine smile on her delicate face. Her wings are spread open wide, her perfectly kept feathers on full display. As you turn to face her, two of her guards emerge from the room, carrying a fancy silk pillow. As they bow in front of her, Celestia levitates an object off the pillow. It's a gold medal, with an engraving of a shield with her cutie mark on the face. The silk ribbon the medal is attached to shares the colors of her mane, along with the primary colors of your armor.

"For your gallantry and heroism saving my little ponies, I bestow this medal to you, great Slayer." Celestia's magenta eyes twinkle in the sunlight, as she gazes into your visor.

You give her a slow blink, acting as a sort of bow, before you tilt your head forwards. Celestia levitates the ribbon around your neck, clicking it into place. Once she releases the medal from her grip, you turn to face the crowd who cheers once again.

"The road ahead of us may be weary, but fear not my little ponies! With the help of Slayer, we as a nation shall prevail into ever lasting peace!"

The crowd is deafeningly loud, as flowers are tossed into the air. Celestia stands by your side, trying to look you in the eyes.

You stare off into the distance, that dreadful guilt hits you like a truck.

You just want this little parade to finish, so you can get back to getting VEGA online again.

"Mister Slayer, my son has a gift for you!" A unicorn stallion yells excitedly, pushing his young colt forward.

Shakily and nervously, the little boy levitates a piece of paper in front of you. Hastily drawn in crayon is a crude depiction of you next to the colt and his family. Arrows with names above indicate who is who, and at the very top of the drawing a title reads: mY BAST FREND SALYR SLAYER

Cameras flash rapidly, blinding you for a second as you kneel to pat the kid on the head. You hand the drawing to one of Celestia's assistants, who places it into a fancy looking cart on wheels.

Turns out there was a second part to this 'announcement' that Celestia never told you about. It's been about half an hour since the speech, and the rest of that time has been spent wandering around Canterlot by Celestia's side, meeting and greeting with the population. Journalists and paparazzi have been surrounding you two, constantly snapping pictures of every little thing you do.

Celestia herself grabbed the picture from the cart, inspecting it. "Awww... How adorable!" Placing it back on the massive pile of sweets and goods, Celestia took her place by your side once again. "I am happy to see my little ponies have warmed to you, Slayer. You seem to be popular with the children." A giggle escapes her mouth, as you two slowly maneuver down the crowded road.

To be honest, you're getting annoyed fast. These paparazzi would be picking up broken lenses if Horse Lady wasn't here. Even still you're having a real hard time stopping yourself from pushing past the crowd and isolating yourself in your command room.

Celestia senses your annoyance, and leans in to whisper. "Just a little while longer, Slayer... I'm sure you want to get back to fixing up another one of those portal devices."

You flash her a quick look, before slumping your shoulders. Making another Slipgate is honestly just a distraction, the burden of Earth's demise is getting harder and harder to ignore.

Celestia turns her head to one of her guards, and after a whispered conversation, the guard springs to action. "Alright everypony, let's give the Princess and Slayer some space." Him and his fellow guards move forward, dispersing and spreading the crowd who all give audible complaints. "Come on, they've got a busy day ahead of them. Let's give them some room, okay?"

Turning her head to face you once again, Celestia's eyes go wide as a loud grumble escapes her stomach. "Oh! Goodness, I must apologize!" Placing a hoof to her mouth, she struggles to hold back a fit of giggling. "Breakfast was rather scarce this morning... Would you mind if we grabbed a bite to eat?"

You can't help but chuckle underneath your helmet, loud enough that she could hear. Celestia smiled wider at your audible laugh, allowing herself to giggle louder.

This fucking mare.

You nod your head as she leads the both of you down the road. The guards have been doing a good job at carving a path through the crowd of ponies, and within several minutes the two of you are standing before a cafe. It was nothing fancy, just a small mom-and-pop restaurant. You and Celestia take a seat at one of the tables outside.

"This is one of my favorite places to dine. They do not get a lot of business, but their food is absolutely delectable." A waiter comes outside, placing down two menus before bowing to Celestia. She levitates the menu up to her face, scanning over it. "Are you going to order anything? I don't believe I've seen you eat once all this time," Celestia says, a small grin forming on her face. "Is my country's food not to your liking?" A giggle escapes her mouth.

You've been starving for days, but you've never had time to take off your helmet to eat in peace. All the busywork from the last several days has caused the growling to stop.

Fuck it. Maybe you shouldn't show your face yet, but talking to her can't hurt.

"I haven't had the urge to eat, Celestia." You answer simply. Your voice is gravelly and deep, as if you are speaking through a throat full of rocks. The speaker on your helmet distorts your voice further, making you sound nothing like what you used to millennia ago.

Celestia's eyes go wide, her menu lowering as she stares at you in absolute shock. Her mouth opens ever so slightly, flabbergasted that you actually have vocal function. "Oh. I see..." Clearing her throat, she attempts to recompose herself. "...Any reason for that, Slayer?"

To keep yourself occupied, you grab the menu and idly inspect it. "I only eat when necessary, or when a threat isn't looming overhead."

Jesus Christ, how much food can you make out of hay and flowers? Besides the overwhelming amount of horsey-food, there's a decent selection of human appropriate food as well. Baked potatoes, salads, non-meat breakfasts, the list goes on.

"Surely you must be hungry? The humans I knew had to eat at the very least a meal a day." Celestia places the menu on the table, leaning in.

"It's recommended to eat daily, but it is not required, Celestia." You answer simply. The sun shines in front of you, hiding your face behind the visor's reflection.

A waiter trots over with two glasses of water, offering to take the menus. "What can I get started for you two, Your Highness?"

Celestia smiles and turns to face the teenage colt. "I will have the daisy and tomato soup, please."

Nodding his head, the colt turns to face you. "Anything for you, Sir?"

You remained silent, only turning your visor away from him, looking out towards the street.

"I'll uh... take that as a no." He says, bowing once more and trotting inside.

Royal guards have made a parameter around the street corner the cafe sits at, halting any and all ponies from getting too close. You watch the massive crowd stare at you and Celestia in wonder and adoration, whilst others who were trotting up and down the street stop to look for a second.

"You know, Slayer... I've heard that you are quite the celebrity with my guards."

You cock your head towards Celestia, yet don't respond.

Celestia magics the straw in her glass, stirring the water around idly. "They look up to you for your combat skills and bravery. Shining Armor hasn't stopped praising you for your actions in Dodge Junction."

Glancing back to the crowd, you notice one of the guards occasionally glances behind, looking you up and down. Admiration and wonder are deep in his grey eyes.

Shining Armor, that guy's wife acted real strange around you. You've caught glimpses of her the past couple days, she's been asking around about you yet refuses to confront you.

"How is he doing?"

Celestia takes a sip of her water. "Shining Armor has gone blind in the eye that was injured, and his magical abilities will be stunted from the chip to his horn. He is on the path to recovery, however."

"His wife was happy to see him alive."

"I saw that when we visited the hospital. She ran out with him in a hurry after you greeted each other... Did something happen?"

You turn your head back to face her. "I never spoke to her. Something about my presence bothered her deeply."

The teenage waiter returns with a tray on his back, which he expertly shuffles onto the table. "Here you are, Your Highness." He bows, and gives her the bowl with a spoon before leaving once again.

Celestia hums in delight, taking the spoon and politely feeding herself. As she consumes the broth, a smile curls up on her face. She tilts her head up savoring the taste for several seconds before swallowing. "So divine. There is something about family owned restaurants that royal chefs can never replicate."

For the rest of your time at the cafe you sat in silence, watching Horse Lady cherish every sip of her soup.

The sun is setting across the west horizon, basking the land in an orange hue. After your lunch with Celestia, she had to part ways and return to her royal duties. This gave you plenty of time to wander Canterlot and acquire the things you needed to set up shop again. You just finished getting VEGA back online, which only left making a Slipgate. Celestia had given you access to a large, unused chamber which was supposed to be for royalty in the future. Besides a massive bed, it was previously completely baron, perfect for your needs.

All the goodies the ponies of Canterlot had gifted to you are displayed nice and neatly on various tables and shelves. A fridge in the corner of the room stores all the food related items, as well as displaying the picture that kid drew for you. Mounted to the wall, a steel rack which was back-lit with magical lights displays your full arsenal.

Combat Shotgun, Super Shotgun, Heavy Cannon, Chaingun, Plasma Rifle, Ballista, Rocket Launcher and Chainsaw, as well as bucket-loads of modifications for every weapon.

There's a certain weapon you'd love to have right about now, but a certain robotic fellow snatched it from you when you gave him the crucible sword.

Fuck Hayden.

Gripping your PDA in your left hand, you scroll up and down Sentinel schematics for a baseline power supply. You were going to make it right this time, so everything had to be perfect. Celestia granted you access to the crystal caverns below the castle, and you extracted some hefty looking crystals yet to be connected up in a circuit.

Gripping one of the power tools, you scan your eyes over your HUD, as the gramophone in the corner spins to life.

"I understand. Shuffling music from your suit's data drive," VEGA says.

The tool whirs to life, a high-pitched grinding noise engulfs the large room as you get to work.

"Playing 'The Healer Stalks' by Bobby Prince."

It's been awhile since you've had a day that busy. Slayer's welcoming speech, the walk around town, the various meetings with mayors and politicians. Slumber is just around the corner, and you'll need loads of it for tomorrow. The Grand Galloping Gala is tomorrow, and you know you'll be bombarded with questions regarding Equestria's most popular citizen right now.

Speaking of which, it might not be a terrible idea to invite him to the event. He doesn't seem to be one for pleasantries like that, but it's the thought that counts.

After all, it would at least give him a distraction from the pain. That poor soul, you can't imagine what it must feel like to know an entire planet is being killed. You've been trying to be supportive for him, but he remains as stoic as ever.

Down the hallway that leads to Slayer's chambers, something catches your attention.

Is that... Music?

Walking over to his door, you gently push it inwards. The room is almost entirely dark, save for the magical glow from the crystals inside. Slayer is on his knees with his back towards you, using a grinding tool to work on a large piece of metal. Sure enough, music is blaring out from a gramophone on his bedside table. It's a jazzy, relaxing tune.

Well well, he has good taste in music at least.

"Slayer?" You call out into the room, your voice rather quiet compared to the music, as well as the sound of his tool. He doesn't respond, working away.

You take a step inside, watching him work away. His determination to get his project done reminds you of Anonymous. The way he's hunched over the metal bar, grinding it down so it will fit flush against another. It warms your heart.

"Slayer, do you have a moment?" You spoke a couple notches louder. Slayer's tool shuts off, yet he doesn't turn around. Taking a chance, you continue speaking. "I won't be long, I'm sure you want to get your portal done as soon as possible."

Slayer's helmet tilts down, and appears to fumble with the tool in his hands.

"I... just wanted to invite you to a banquet I am having tomorrow. It's the Grand Galloping Gala, an event hosted every year. There will be food, music, pleasantries... I know it would make my little ponies very happy for you to make an appearance."

Slayer remains silent, the music echoes in the massive room.

"Twilight Sparkle will be attending, if you wanted to catch up with her, too."

Goodness, Celestia. You're acting like a school filly!

With a small sigh, your head lowers an inch. "I wouldn't blame you if you do not show up. I personally despise attending myself, but it is a personal duty of mine. Perhaps the sight of a bunch of snooty nobles might take your mind off anything bothering it?"

Slayer seems to scoff at your last comment, as his helmet slowly tilts back, some of his visor's glass visible now. "I'll think about it, Celestia." With that, he turns the tool back on, grinding away at the metal once again.

You nod your head and close the door, leaving him alone. Such a simple, vague answer, and yet it made you giddy and excited on the inside.

Maybe tomorrow won't be such a drag after all.

...

...

...

...

...

Somewhere far away, deep within the realm of Urdak...

Down inside a small, heavily guarded and sacred chamber, the Khan Makyr stands before a pool of Argent energy. Her eyes watch the energy flow freely within the deep vat, pulsing with life and power. For reasons beyond her comprehension, the Doom Slayer has disappeared off the face of the universe. Without his interference, there is nothing to stop the sacrament of Earth. The door to the chamber opens up behind her, revealing one of her personal assistants.

"Your Grace... I have important news for you." The frail ex-Sentinel spoke up, skin wrinkled from corruption.

"You may speak when ready..." The Khan Maykr would answer simply, eyes never leaving the pool. This energy would allow her kind to prevail for eons.

Stepping closer, the elderly man spoke. "We have located the Slayer... He is in the Equidae quadrant, 26 dimensions opposite of our own," He said, waiting a moment before continuing. "If you wish, we can prepare a portal to his location."

The Khan Makyr knew where Slayer was located, it was how he arrived there which is beyond her knowledge. Records show that after destroying the largest Gore Nest on Earth, Slayer traversed through a Slipgate bound for his personal fortress. Mid-travel, the Slipgate closed, sending him rocketing through the very fibers of time and space. It is an absolute anomaly that he ended up where he did.

With a calm inhale and exhale, the Khan Makyr speaks. "Do not disturb the Slayer... He is where he belongs now. Without him interfering with our plans, there is no reason to pursue him further."

The ex-Sentinel man bows his head, resting against his cane. "Yes, Your Grace... Deag Grav is waiting for you in the meeting chambers."

Closing her eyes in content, the Khan Makyr nods slowly, turning around to leave with her elderly assistant.

As the two leave towards the meeting chambers, a single being is left in the room. Clad in ancient Sentinel armor, his mouth was obscured by the mask he wore. His skin was pale and purple, rotted from his death, and corrupted by his resurrection. Two massive, black horns curl out of either side of his head, his eyes glow a deep shade of crimson, identical to the pool of Argent energy before him.

Rage and anger plagues his mind, hellbent on extracting revenge from his comrade turned arch-foe. Balling his hands into fists, the Marauder makes his way towards the command room.