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Two Worlds Collide: Chapter 37 Part II

Deviation Actions

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What every merperson saw in front of them was a vast chamber. Three times taller than the great throne room of King Triton’s palace, it was truly massive in scale. Golden, fiery light filled the enormous chamber, a chorus of bright yellows, oranges, and reds covering the whole interior. To the very back of the chamber, twin waterfalls of flowing lava poured from dragon-like orifices built into the very bedrock, flowing down into canals of molten rock which converged upon an enormous cauldron at the very center of the chamber, the cauldron itself being a giant furnace. Great murals of Salamanders and reptilian beasts were gloriously depicted along the chamber walls, their detail beautifully captured in the golden light. The mark of the eagle, the chief symbol of the Imperium, was displayed in rich gold at the highest points of the walls. From above, magnificent banners of fine black, green, and golden silk were proudly displayed, all bearing the drake’s head emblem of the XVIII Legion, along with its trademark symbols of fire, hammer, and anvil. Passages seen afar splintered away in multiple directions, all of them leading deeper into the vast fortress.

The only presence of the calm, clear blue sea in this vast temple of flame and rock was the wide canal in the middle of the chamber upon which the merfolk and the Salamanders' submersible were swimming along slowly. The canal, easily the largest and the longest in the chamber, was wide enough for six submersibles to swim abreast of one another. Many of the merfolk felt very glad to be surrounded by the cool, clean, refreshing sea, for it was the only point of calm familiarity in a place of searing heat, molten fire, and the din of hammers and machinery. Nevertheless, despite their unease of being in a strange place, the merfolk’s feelings of amazement and wonder at the sights within overcame their fears, for none of them had seen anything like the sight before them of night-black giants working hard in the flames, toiling with their hammers and anvils, making beautiful works of craftsmanship before the merfolk. All around them, Salamanders were at work in their own individual forges. The sound of hammers upon anvils, blasting furnaces, cooling metal, and machinery was loud and deafening in the vast chamber. Here and there, a merperson beheld a Salamander warrior beating at hissing pieces of metal or finishing the final touches on a wondrously crafted weapon. The darkness of the chamber, combined with the bright colors of fire, perfectly illuminated the sweating bodies of the Salamanders. All of them were hard at work, their bodies never resting. Almost all of them had artistic scars branded on their bodies, most in the back and torso. The red glare of their eyes was much brighter in the dark of the forge-chamber than in the clearness of the blue sea. It made them look evil, but every merperson of Atlantica, thanks to the words of their sea king, trusted the Salamanders enough to know that it was only superficial. Even a few of the Salamanders stopped their work and acknowledged the merfolk with a wave or a raised fist, to be answered with waves and cheers from many of the merpeople. This was the union of water and fire at its simplest: the alliance of the people of the sea and the flame.

“Amazing.” Ariel whispered, seeing all the many wonders before her. Likewise, her husband too was in awe at the incredible sight, the helm of his sea-suit removed so that he could better take in the magnificent view he was seeing. Melody was also with her parents, the young human princess currently transformed into a mermaid like her mother; she too was just as mesmerized by the sight before her. It was at this point of the journey that the trio, especially Ariel, would make the first of many good friends within the Salamanders, and he would be a giant amongst giants.

“Mother, father, look!” Melody cried out to her parents, right arm outstretched and pointing to an approaching Salamander striding towards the wide canal. The eyes of many a merperson turned to behold this awesome giant who came closer and closer to them with each step. Wearing simple brown fatigues and naked above the waist, the Salamander’s black-skinned massive body was sheened in sweat. He was quite easily one of the biggest warriors within this hall of dark-skinned fire giants, with a broad frame and equally massive hands wielding a small two-handed hammer, which he immediately laid to rest on the ground beside him. Artistic brands snaked throughout his torso and both his arms, images of flame and serpent depicted upon these scars. His huge head was bald, save for a small beard of midnight black, but the red eyes he possessed only added to his hulking, fearsome visage. When he finally reached the canal, he focused his fiery gaze upon many of the gathered, awestruck merfolk who marveled at his massive stature, before finally casting his gaze upon one mermaid in particular.

Kneeling down so he could be closer to the frightened mermaid, who was only a small child, he kept looking at her. The mermaid’s parents, believing he meant to do harm, clustered around the mer-child, the mother putting her arms protectively around her daughter. It seemed like an eternity passed before the giant suddenly……smiled, and it was a genuine smile of warmth and friendship. Then, he spoke. “I remember you, young one.”

His deep voice, so low and so powerful, broke the spell of wonder that had so many merfolk enraptured. Both the mermaid’s parents were confused, for how could this fire giant already know their daughter? Their surprise deepened even more when their own daughter answered in reply. “Y-you’re the one w-who saw me, didn’t you?”

A nod was her reply, and the giant answered back. “Indeed. Three of you there were, three young children who were engaged in mischief when you came here. Two young boys, and you, sneaked inside our sanctum and discovered us. I was the one who saw you before you fled with your friends.”

“Carina, is this true?” the mer-child’s mother asked, to which the young girl answered quietly, “Yes, mother. I followed my friends to the Abyssal Caverns and we…..we saw this place. We were scared, but we left quickly. I’m so sorry! It was just a dare!” Her mother was infuriated at her daughter’s mischief, but the loud, hearty laughter of the giant calmed things down. “Have no fear.” he told the mother. “I had no intention of harming them. Besides, they fled very quickly, too quickly for me to give chase. I personally feared for their safety, for it is a long journey from here back to Atlantica, with many great perils along the way. Had I caught them, I would’ve kept your child and her two companions safe, as well as ensure safe passage back to their homes. But I never had any intention of hurting them. It is not in my nature.”

“Yes, it’s true.” said the father, looking at the giant and seeing the truth in his eyes. “You’re not evil, and I can see the love you have in your eyes. You really would keep her safe, wouldn’t you?” In response, the giant nodded affirmatively, and then in a bold move, he reached down into the water and picked up the young mer-child with his massive hand. Startled, young Carina yelped in shock and fear whilst her parents were also startled by the giant’s sudden move, but his other hand was held out in placation, reassuring them of his gentleness once more. Meanwhile, the fear-stricken Carina lay held in the giant’s palm, her fishtail uselessly flailing in the air, without water to propel her body. Then the giant surprised them again by giving another booming laugh before kissing the mer-child on her brow and returning her to the water. No one could miss seeing the blush upon her cheeks as Carina meekly gave out a barely audible thanks to the giant, whose smile only widened at her light but humble embarrassment. He bade farewell to the parents who swam on with their now-chastened and humbled daughter, whilst the giant turned his attention to Ariel and her family, who were close by and had witnessed the entire event.

“My king,” said the giant, adding a respectful bow to King Triton as well as his family, “I humbly apologize for my actions. I hope I did not offend you and your people with my sudden behavior.” In response, Triton waved the comment away. There was no ill anger in the sea-king’s lined and noble face, but rather a look of amusement instead. “There is no offense to forgive, brave warrior.” he replied in kind. “I was rather amused by your actions. It certainly served as a humble lesson to the young child, and it shows wisdom on your part, my friend.”

“My thanks, lord.” the giant responded, followed by turning his gaze to the royal family and warming them all with his smile and respectful bearing. “It is honor to meet you all, especially you, Princess Ariel and Prince Eric.” Both Ariel and Eric took the giant’s greeting with respect and acknowledgement, Ariel asking afterwards. “Thank you, brave warrior. Might I know your name?”

“Of course, but you shall know more than just my name.” the giant replied, raising himself from his kneeling position and towering over the gathered royals, his sheer bulk amazing them to no end. His proud, stentorian voice ringing clear in the vast undersea chamber, the giant said, “My name is Sol Ba’ken, known to all my brothers as the Master of Recruits for my Legion, and captain of the Seventh Company, Eighteenth Legion Astartes.”

………………………………………………….

He was so noble, and so kind. thought Ariel, her reminiscing over. Sol Ba’ken truly was a kind individual, but she never would’ve expected such humility and love to come from so huge and imposing a figure. Captain Ba’ken lent truth to that old saying that appearances could be deceiving, as did a certain sea witch that Ariel remembered with no pleasure at all.

“I’m glad we have him and his warriors on our side.” she said to no one but herself. She added a single thought to her words, thinking, For if those horrid undead things come to my home, they’ll have a hard time destroying it. These Salamanders will make sure of that, so I have nothing to fear. I really don’t.

Her fears soothed, Ariel decided her time of reminiscence was ended. It was time to rejoin her family in the castle. The sun still shone brightly in the sky, so there was no danger in swimming home, for Ariel was far to the north of the kingdom, just lying upon a shallow cove that led to the ocean. It was a private place for Ariel, a place for her to simply relax. No one else knew of this place but her, and now it was time to leave. Thus did Ariel leave for her home, to the joyous laughter of her daughter, and the loving embrace of her husband. All was secure, of that she was quite sure.

……………………………………………..

Upon the planet Earth there lay a city.

It was a city of beauty, of harmony, of light, and of love. It was a city that lived in complete harmony with the all the beautiful nature around it. Countless gardens and parks there were, all rich with fauna and flora of all kinds. Wide streets and promenades of paved marble flowed through the city, forming wondrous complex paths around the many crystal towers and white buildings of this magnificent place. Here the people were happy and content, living in unity and harmony. Here in this city, there was a noble queen and her family, they who both ruled and protected the city from all dark creatures that came from beyond. A true utopia, this city was the capital of a great kingdom far to the east, a realm of peace and plenty and happiness for all.

A paradise on Earth, until the coming of the Long War.

………………………………………………………..

Upon the planet Earth there lay a city, one of formerly great beauty and wonder. Though much of its beauty remained whole and unsullied, much more was defiled by great fortifications built underneath and above the city, all done by a newfound ally that the people of light and love desperately needed against a new foe. A powerful enemy had come to destroy their home and claim the Earth for its own, and its power was truly horrifying to behold. So powerful it was that this dark power nearly overwhelmed the queen and her retinue of elite protectors in a short span of time. Never before had the guardians of light and love ever been so tested to the breaking point. Not even their most powerful enemies of old could muster so much potent strength that this corrupt force brought to the fore, and it almost destroyed them in the end. Such a dark and tainted power was not without its own enemy, though, and that enemy came to the aid of the kingdom, driving back the legions of darkness away from the hallowed ground of the crystal city. This great power that drove back the darkness revealed itself to the people, and they never would have expected this.

For the power that came to their aid was a vast empire, not one of the Earth, but rather an empire of the stars themselves. Ancient history was revealed to the royal leaders of this kingdom and beyond, a history shared by blood and race. For their kind, the race known as humanity, was far more powerful than they could’ve imagined, expanding beyond their homeworld and seeding the very stars of the universe with human life. This was their new ally, an empire of humankind with thousands upon thousands of worlds in its wake, trillions upon trillions of humans, and armies that numbered into the billions. Perhaps the most shocking truth of all was that Earth, the very world upon which the kingdoms of love and light were situated, was the capital of this immense realm, a realm known as the Imperium of Man.

So there was no choice for the peaceful citizens of all the kingdoms, and so they greeted the Imperials as new allies- reluctantly at first, but eventually with open arms. All of the kingdoms eventually saw the vast armies of the Imperium make camp upon their realms, adding to the already immense number of legions stationed on their world, hidden from public sight. There was no doubt about the truth anymore: the kingdoms were but part of a greater realm, albeit unofficially, and Earth was a true fortress world, a worthy capital that ruled over a million others. Its true name was not even Earth, but a far more ancient name that lasted for tens of thousands of years: Terra. Now, upon this world, the greatest of all the peaceful kingdoms is now a bastion not only of light and love, but of steel and iron, and its greatest city is now a fortress.

Once it was a city of beautiful crystal towers, with white buildings that shone like pearls beneath sunlight and moonlight, paved streets, wide parks and valleys, and an endless number of gardens featuring every known type of flora and fauna in existence. Once it was a city of harmony, light, love, and happiness, its citizens knowing no want or need, and enjoying the finest health and longevity. All of this was made possible by a queen of noble birth and her protectors, all of them women of the highest level. All of them were not just royalty but able warriors of magic, long-lived immortals who protected the Earth, the Moon, and all its people for ages against dark foes. Now, after countless centuries of trial and challenge, they have succeeded, the queen and her allies ushering in a new golden age upon the Earth. It was their kingdom, a realm of the far east, that helped create this new era of peace and prosperity, and their city was the heart of it all.

The city is known as Crystal Tokyo, and it was a beautiful city of light and love. It was, but now it is not, for the ravages of war have returned once more to plague it and the people within. As such, as sad as it is, Crystal Tokyo is no longer the magnificent city it once was. Now it is a fortress, a bastion impregnable against the darkness.

Atop the highest tower of the palace of crystal that is the shining heart of the city, the queen looks at her home and remembers the horrors of the recent past. All the while she reminisces, she also despairs at seeing her once-beautiful city now transformed into a hideous place of war and oppression, even though she knows it is necessary for the coming war.

For she knows this is but the beginning of the great conflict, and all await its arrival. For now, however, all must endure the calm before the storm, but perhaps none more so than the queen herself. Her name is Neo-Queen Serenity, and she is in despair.

……………………………………………………………………

Serenity gazed at the capital of her realm from the high view of her bedchamber’s balcony. She could feel the energy of the city, and the despair in her heart only grew as she felt its cloying, hurt aura. Nothing in Crystal Tokyo felt pure anymore, no longer filled with the three powers of love, joy, and happiness. Instead, every single aura of the people was wracked with fear. Serenity’s spiritual connection with all the citizens of her kingdom was so strong that she could feel their auras, and virtually all of them were tainted with the emotions of fear, worry, sadness, grief, and even insanity. It hit her so hard that it was taking all of Serenity’s might to maintain her composure. But in her heart, Serenity knew that she was close to the breaking point, and it showed. Her formerly glowing aura was now dimmed, barely shining in the darkness. Her body looked worn and ragged, as if deprived of rest and nourishment for countless days, with only the barest hint of its former youth still present. Her hair, though still in its signature style of twin cattails, no longer appeared flowing and golden; much of it was unkempt and dull in color. But perhaps the greatest mark of drain was seen on her face, for Serenity’s beautiful visage now revealed its age. Her cheeks were sunken, her pale skin dull and devoid of any color, her lips now a dull red instead of the vivid crimson they once were. Her blue eyes were no longer the color of a clear sky, but now dim and without spirit. The expression on her face was that of exhaustion, fatigue, and sadness. Serenity knew this to be so, and the reasons were both within and without, visible and invisible yet known to her.

For just as Serenity could feel the collective auras of her people and their despair, so too did she feel the aura of the city itself, and it felt violated. Crystal Tokyo was no longer a city of happiness and openness. Now it was a fortress of closed walls.

Serenity could see it from her balcony.  Though much of her city was still the same, new edifices and fortifications were present, both within and without Crystal Tokyo’s borders. Crystal Tokyo was now full of defenses, prefabricated towers and ramparts of steel and iron mingling with the crystal towers and beautiful structures of the once-wondrous city. Endless gun batteries and manned posts were placed all over the city, adding to the many other defenses already present. Each was designed to make Crystal Tokyo a truly impregnable fastness which an enemy would find to be very difficult to conquer. Advanced watch systems consisting of ancient and modern technologies kept watch over the city and the surrounding area, as well as keeping an eye on the skies overhead. No foe would approach Crystal Tokyo from the land, sea, or sky without first being seen by the many detection systems of the city, both native and foreign. Crystal scryers, ancient senses, psychic awareness, the Senshi’s own watchfulness, and modern sensors all contributed to the web of vigilance now in place over Crystal Tokyo, and the unseen eyes of the guardians never slept, always remaining awake and on high alert.

Beyond the city proper, there were more defenses seen and unseen. But in order to establish the outer defenses, the Imperials had to tear down much of the beautiful fields and forests around Crystal Tokyo, much to the citizens’ dismay. Where once there were lush fields, gardens, and forests out beyond the city, now there remained a barren valley of rock and earth planted with constructions of steel and iron. Seven trenches were dug deep into the earth, forming a semi-circle around Crystal Tokyo. Within these trenches and the ground above them many more guns and static emplacements were positioned at predetermined areas to ensure the valley would become a killing ground through which no foe could emerge unscathed. Remotely-controlled fields of explosive mines dotted the valley, silent killers buried deep in the earth. Several outlying watch posts were there also, each manned with soldiers to keep a constant eye over the vast area of defenses. It wasn’t just physical defenses that the Imperials had placed in and around Crystal Tokyo; there were spiritual ones too. The Imperials, like the Silver Millennium, had some knowledge in the arts of magic and psychic power, though theirs greatly eclipsed that of the Silver Millennium’s finest mages. Hexagrammic wards of unknown origin, esoteric symbols of protection, and relic hybrids of magic and technology designed to be lethal against the ethereal were placed throughout Crystal Tokyo, preventing any unwanted dark force to make itself known within the city borders. The Imperials’ own magicians and scryers spared no place, left no corner of Crystal Tokyo unprotected, placing their wards and magics in every street and building to ensure the web of security was tight and firm. Nor did the Imperials confine their watchfulness to the ground or the ethereal plane. They kept an eye over the skies too, for two great ships now hovered at restful anchor over the city, their decks of cannon, wings of flying craft,  and well-trained crews keeping a constant watch above the skies of Crystal Tokyo. The armies stationed at Crystal Tokyo were legion as well, consisting of normal Imperial soldiers- known as Guardsmen to the people of the city –, strange red-robed machine warriors loyal to the power of technology, female religious warriors whose faith bordered on the extreme, and of course, the titans that had come and saved Crystal Tokyo once before, though now there were more of them and of different allegiances.

Regiments of professional soldiers were now housed in barracks built inside and around Crystal Tokyo. Alongside them, machine warriors amassed in companies were positioned to the south of the city, standing perfectly at attention inside strange habitations that crackled with unknown technologies. These warriors fought with technology as their greatest advantage, for they wielded unknown weapons of incredibly destructive power, weapons that were rare and ancient indeed. But again, it was the Astartes who were the most visible and dominant of the Imperial force now stationed in Crystal Tokyo. Astartes patrols constantly moved throughout the city, keeping their endless vigilance upon its many streets. No two were alike individually, and it was no longer the crimson-clad Astartes of Lord Ahriman’s legion that were present. Citizens of Crystal Tokyo and the Senshi themselves beheld other Astartes walking alongside the Fifteenth Legion, titan warriors wearing armor painted in blue and gold, or dark green and white, or yellow and black. From what Lord Ahriman had told Serenity and her retinue, his brothers all hailed from different legions of which there were twenty, and of which Serenity and her friends finally knew their names.

Thus did Serenity see down below from the balcony at the many different Astartes who patrolled the interiors of the Crystal Palace. Directly below, she beheld two warriors in blue war-plate bearing the mark of the inverted omega enjoy a friendly talk with one another. Ahriman had told her their Legion name: the Thirteenth Legion Astartes was known across the galaxy as the Ultramarines.

Not far from the two conversing Ultramarines, Serenity beheld a lone Astartes consulting a data-slate as he pored over its contents. Like the metal-clad warrior Dantioch whom she had met in the war council aboard the Severian, Serenity could that this warrior was clad in the same burnished silver armor with the black shoulders and chevrons, the iron skull proudly displayed upon the left shoulder. She remembered that Ahriman said Dantioch and his warriors hailed from the Fourth Legion Astartes, a legion of superhuman warriors whose forte lay in the arts of technology and engineering, and whose master skill lay in the art of siege warfare, of toppling down castles and fortresses and establishing their own. Thus imbued with the skill to bend and build with metal and stone, the Fourth Legion was known as the Iron Warriors, and it was they who had overseen the transformation of Serenity’s beautiful city into the fortress it now was.

As she saw the Iron Warrior consult the information gleaned from the data-slate in his armored palm, she heard a brotherly cry to the right and turned her gaze to see another Astartes stride towards the Iron Warrior, who had also turned to greet the newcomer. When the two stood next to each other, they clasped their forearms in the manner of warriors greeting one another and began to talk about a common subject, one which Serenity couldn’t hear. It didn’t matter to her, as she was focused on studying the new arrival’s armor and its different colors. Unlike the Iron Warrior, this Astartes wore armor of golden yellow painted with black trim, the mark of a black mailed fist upon a circle of white his Legion emblem. Serenity knew, thanks to Ahriman’s explanation, that this warrior came from the Seventh Legion Astartes, otherwise known as the Imperial Fists. Like their Iron Warrior counterparts, the Imperial Fists were knowledgeable in the ways of siege warfare, but where their silver-clad brethren specialized in tearing down fortresses, the golden-clad Imperial Fists were masters of building them. Adept at constructing fortresses and other bastions, the Imperial Fists were known across the Imperium as the “Men of Stone”, for no other force in the galaxy knew the use of stone as they did. The Imperial Fists had also contributed to the defenses surrounding Crystal Tokyo, aiding their Iron Warrior brethren in fortifying the city. Both Legions had outdone themselves, of that Serenity was definitely sure.

Done with staring directly below her balcony, Serenity turned her gaze upwards and beheld the central courtyard of the Palace, where a gathering of twelve individuals, all Astartes, gathered around a burning brazier of bright flame. She beheld the bright green and dark black of their armor, the scaled cloaks atop their immense bodies, and the white drake’s head emblem upon their left shoulders. She had heard of this army from the titan known as Tu’Shan, for he was the leader of these fire-warriors. Before departing with King Triton and his children to Atlantica, Tu’Shan explained his and his Legion’s origins, as well as their intimate relationship with the ways of the flame. Thus it was that his Legion, the Eighteenth, was known as the Salamanders, renowned and feared for the destructive fires they brought, fires that left the earth barren yet ripe for rebirth once more. A full company of Salamanders was here in the city, and of all the Astartes stationed in Crystal Tokyo, Serenity knew that they were by far the gentlest and kindest of all towards her people, showing genuine compassion to each man, woman, and child within her kingdom. That gave her some comfort at least.

Another spot of movement to the left of the Salamanders group prompted Serenity to shift her gaze. Her ears were able to pick up the faint but unmistakable sound of blades clashing. Sure enough, she beheld two more Astartes engaged in a practice duel with their elegant blades. Forged into sabers, the swords were a blur of motion as the two purple-and-gold Astartes parried, thrust, swung, and riposted their moves onto the other. It was a display of mastery, with several of the palace staff having actually stopped to see the dance of blades, for it was truly impressive. Ahriman had explained to Serenity earlier that the Astartes clad in the amethyst and gold were known as the Emperor’s Children, the Third Legion Astartes. Reputed to be the most perfect Astartes in the galaxy, Serenity had no doubt of that, for there was the proof before her, the two Emperor’s Children preeminent blademasters who saluted one another once the duel came to an end and accepting the claps and cheers of the palace staff.

In contrast, the group of loud and raucous Astartes walking along one of the palace gardens caught Serenity’s eye. Compared to the gilded and pristine Emperor’s Children, these savages were every bit the primitive yet noble warriors they appeared to be. Clad in armor of ice blue and gray, with pelts of dead beasts draped across their shoulders, the warriors talked with good humor, enjoying a few loud laughs every now and then. Bearing the snarling wolf’s head upon their left shoulders, Serenity had already heard their leader, the giant brute known as Grimnar, call his legion as the Vlka Fenryka. But Ahriman had told her and the others that the Vlka Fenryka had another, more common name, one that was quite appropriate given their outward appearance. Grimnar’s army, the Sixth Legion Astartes, was known as the Space Wolves, and it was they who would prove to be the most savage of the Astartes host guarding Crystal Tokyo.

As Serenity beheld the group of chatty Space Wolves continue to walk across her gardens, she noted their camaraderie lowered a little bit at the sight of two other Astartes standing guard over one of the eastern entrances to the Palace, entryways that led out into the eastern part of Crystal Tokyo and further into the coastline before ending at the ocean. The twin Astartes were a complete contrast to their Space Wolf cousins, being monastic and secretive in nature. Serenity knew this to be so in the dark green armor they wore, armor which the Astartes covered with torn monkish robes of cream white. Swords were drawn in front of them, point down, as the two remained silent in their vigil, letting the Space Wolves pass. For all their inactivity, Serenity could have confused the two for being lifeless statues in silent repose. They certainly seemed to play the part well, but Ahriman in his wisdom told her and the other royals their reason for being so quiet. It was part of the First Legion’s nature, for these warriors were the eldest of the twenty legions, he said. First of the Adeptus Astartes, the first legion, they became known as the Dark Angels, their symbol being the white winged sword. Of all the new Astartes arrivals in her city, Serenity saw that it was the Dark Angels who were the quietest and most opaque of all. Part of her wondered why this was so.

The last two arrivals were similar but clearly different. Serenity had heard from both Ahriman and his companions, Loken and Garro, that their twin legions were among the fiercest and toughest of the twenty. Loken’s legion was renowned for being the best in offensive battles, whilst Garro’s brethren were known for being the most relentless and resilient force the Adeptus Astartes had in their possession. Superficially, the two looked similar, warriors of both Astartes legions clad in the same white armor, but that was it. Serenity saw many of them man the outer walls of the Crystal Palace, keeping a close eye on the outside world. She beheld their colors and insignias. Loken’s army was the Sixteenth Legion Astartes, they who wore the white armor with black trim and bearing the emblem of the wolf’s head upon a crescent moon. Serenity found a little familiarity with these warriors, as they wore the same symbol as she, for the crescent moon was Serenity’s personal emblem and the emblem of her family, the Moon dynasty. Even their name evoked a sense of familiarity to her and her people, for they were known as the Luna Wolves, and they were amongst the most famous of the Astartes legions. In contrast, the warriors of Garro’s own legion were different. Like Loken’s force, they too wore the same white armor, but it was painted with green trim and bore the mark of a green six-pointed star with a skull in the center. From what Nathaniel Garro had explained to her, Serenity knew that these warriors hailed from a poisonous planet, a world that hardened their bodies to become incredibly resistant to all manner of toxins and injury. These Astartes would also not back down from a fight, but instead continue to slowly and relentlessly advance in the face of an implacable foe. They were known by their brothers for being steadfast and enduring, winning battles through sheer strength of will, resilience, and attrition. Thus it was that the Death Guard, the Fourteenth Legion Astartes, was present in Crystal Tokyo, for their vaunted resilience would be needed in the end.

Finally, there were the Thousand Sons, the mysterious Fifteenth Legion Astartes, the legion of warriors who came first to the aid of Serenity and her people. It was the Thousand Sons whom the people of Crystal Tokyo were most at peace with, and with the help of the Thousand Sons, they gradually became accustomed to the other Astartes present in the city. This, then, was the great force that now guarded the city alongside the Senshi, and they would be ready for the day when Chaos returned.

…………………………………………

“Serenity.”

A proud, strong voice shook Serenity out of her melancholy and drew her gaze away from the view of her now-changed city. Within the large entrance to her bedchambers stood Ahriman and Loken side by side, both resplendent in their crimson and white armor. Polished to a mirror sheen and replete with all manner of battle honors and personal emblems, the two looked truly looked like the warrior-knights they were. But they were not alone; Serenity beheld six beautiful young women standing behind the two Astartes, but no simple and fair maidens were they. All six had a hard and steely gaze writ upon their porcelain faces that could only come from enduring years of hardship, experience, and having wisdom gained. Four of the women were clothed in fine blue dresses edged with golden trim and with personal embellishments unique to each female. The other two were clad in a rough brown and fur-trimmed tunic, and a blue chiton featuring a red, cog-toothed trim, respectively. Eyes of deep blue, green, and hazel stared back at Serenity, all with hard-won wisdom and respect for Serenity in them. Nor were any of the maidens weaponless; four of them had sheathed swords at their sides, whilst the one clad in the furred tunic had twin axes slung at her back, her companion echoing her choice of arms in the form of a large mechanical mace loosely held in her left hand. Serenity wondered what purpose these women had to be here, and sure enough, an explanation was provided by Ahriman.

“Forgive our intrusion,” Ahriman explained, “but I wanted to introduce you to your new bodyguards.” That surprised Serenity, for didn’t she have bodyguards already? Granted, her friends were the elite Sailor Senshi, but even they understood the duty of protecting the queen of the Silver Millennium and the precious cargo she bore. Thus were the Sailor Senshi of both the inner and outer planets of the Sol System not only representatives of their respective planets, but also the guardians of Earth and of the Silver Millennium, but most important of all, the queen herself. Thus it was that Amy, Mina, Raye, Lita, Hotaru, Amara, Michelle, and Trista all guarded the queen not just because Serenity was their friend, but also because she was their queen and leader. In addition, after the first battle of Chaos against Crystal Tokyo, Ahriman had subsequently seen to the assignment of his Legion’s elite warriors, the Scarab Occult, to the protection of the Crystal Palace, whilst the Sekhmet- the finest of the Scarab Occult –would guard the queen and her family personally. What need had Serenity for more protectors?

“My thanks, Ahzek,” she replied courteously, though in truth Serenity was inwardly annoyed at having to receive more bodyguards, “but is this really necessary? I think I already have enough protectors. This seems a little too much to me.” Ahzek nodded his head in return, whilst the six women all gave light chuckles of their own at Serenity’s words. “One can never be too careful when dealing with Chaos, Serenity,” he warned her, “and besides, these women personally requested to be bodyguards.” Another note of surprise went up Serenity’s spine, for no one had ever asked to protect her willingly. This was something new. “Really? Who are they, then, these women that you bring before me? I can tell that all of them are warriors, of a sort.”

“Indeed, my queen.” This time it was Loken who replied, and with a flourish of a white armored hand, he presented the six women, who now strode towards Serenity and gave the smallest of bows. “All six are members of an elite order of warriors separate from both the Imperial military and the Legions, independent and answerable to no one but themselves, the High Lords, and the Emperor Himself. They serve the Imperium in their own way, and they perform all manner of missions that range from humanitarian aid to warfare of all kinds. They may not look it, but all six are veterans of countless battles, and it is because of their very experience and veteran status that they came to protect you, Serenity. Apart from the Adeptus Astartes, you will find no finer warriors anywhere else in the galaxy.”

“Truly?” Serenity said with piqued interest, her annoyance now gone and now looking at the six women standing in front of her with a little apprehension but wonder as well. Looking at the woman standing in the center, who was clearly both the tallest of the six and the leader, she spoke directly to the golden-haired maiden with an interrogative. “May I ask who you are, then?” The tall maiden of sun-golden hair took a moment to answer, but her expressionless face quickly formed a smile and expression of warm respect to the queen. In reply, the maiden bowed again whilst saying, “But of course, my queen. My name is Alexandra Agemman, the Lady of Macragge. It is an honor to meet you, Neo-Queen Serenity, and to be your protector.”

Serenity returned Alexandra’s greeting with a small bow of her own, while Alexandra waved a pale arm over her companions, who gave brief nods of greeting. “My fellow guardians and sisters-in-arms. This is Adira Sicarius,” she said in regards to the second-tallest of the six women, a beautiful maiden with hair of rich brown cascading in long tresses and pinned with a finely crafted piece of jewelry, with eyes of light grey so bright they appeared almost white in color. “Known by her title of the Lady Talassar, and my second-in-command.” Adira gave a silent greeting to Serenity, who replied in kind as Alexandra then gestured to the second woman in line, a fair maiden of medium build with long red hair covered in flowers and green leaves. Eyes as green as a field of grass looked upon Serenity with calmness and respect, and she held a rose in front of her chest. If anything, this one was the fairest of the six, but like her fellow compatriots, she was a warrior by virtue of the sheathed blade at her waist.

“My queen,” said Alexandra, “this is Antheia Promarion, the Lady of Iax. You will not find a more devoted master of the sword and custodian of nature than her.” Serenity greeted the newcomer with warm words, which Antheia replied to quickly and courteously. “A pleasure to meet you, my queen. You have the gift of life about you, so bright and beautiful it gladdens my heart to feel such power.” Charmed by her words, for the voice of Antheia was soft, rich, and musical, Serenity thanked her for the kind words. To Serenity’s eyes, Antheia Promarion was very similar to Michelle, the Senshi of Neptune just as attuned with nature and just as mysterious as she.

Introductions given, Alexandra then shifted over to the next two individuals, the ones clad in their own unique tunics rather than the flowing dresses she and the others wore. Serenity took a good look at them; the first appeared to be rustic and possessed of a rugged nature, if the rough brown tunic and the fur she wore were any indication. It could also be seen in her face, the young woman displaying a pale, scarred visage that was no less beautiful. Light brown hair was kept tied back by a simple piece of fabric, but unlike the lovingly wondrous hair of her friends, this one had an unkempt yet still tidy appearance. As for her companion, she could not have been any more different. Serenity saw that the second woman appeared to be part-machine in nature, the blue chiton with the red trim and cog symbol being the most obvious indication. But there was more to this than just that, for Serenity saw that this lady had several small machines attached to her pale-skinned body, the most prominent being a single mechanical eye in place of her original right one. Black hair kept back in a single ponytail was one of the few defining features of her humanity, for though implanted with several technological devices, this woman was still whole. Yet unlike her friends, she displayed a cold, calculating, and otherwise aloof expression, only giving Serenity the briefest of nods and respect that seemed fleeting, somehow. Still, the introductions proceeded.

“This is Sylva Triaris,” said Alexandra, indicating the rugged woman before proceeding to the other, “and beside her is Junia Thybantes. Both are the fiercest and strongest fighters amongst my cadre. They will fight all the harder for you if you are in the gravest danger, my queen.” A little taken aback by Alexandra’s words, Serenity nevertheless acknowledged the two women, who answered in kind with their own voices. Both sounded quite different, Sylva having a lovely feminine voice but with a rough accent, whilst Junia possessed a voice that had a strange mechanical burr to it, as if there were a machine inside her throat rather than natural vocal chords producing Junia’s words and speech. Still, the introductions went by smoothly, and now there remained only one left to greet.

“I will allow the final member of my cadre to introduce herself, my queen.” Alexandra told Serenity, gesturing for the last of the six women to come forward. “I think you’ll recognize her.” Serenity just waited as the sixth lady stepped even closer to her, and for some reason, Serenity found a certain familiarity in this final person. She couldn’t quite place it, but she had seen this woman before. Where have I seen her? Why does she look so familiar? she thought as the last woman finally spoke. “My queen, it’s an honor to see you again, and it’s good to be back home.”

Her voice, so rich and cultured, and clearly speaking with a familiar accent finally gave Serenity the connection she needed. I know her! The thought sprang into her mind as Serenity looked the person over. Unnaturally tall for a woman- though even she didn’t match Alexandra’s height, who was incredibly tall herself –she had medium-length hair that was a dirty mix of light and dark browns. Her skin was just as pale as the others, but seemed to glow with an inner light that Serenity had only seen in the people of her native kingdom.

She’s from Crystal Tokyo! She lived here! More thoughts entered Serenity’s mind as she beheld the young woman’s eyes. They were exactly the same as before, bright green, almond-shaped, and deep set. But now there was a difference, for the woman’s right eye was completely gone, replaced with a mechanical eye expertly built within her eye socket, with fine wires arranged in an artistic flourish trailing away, above and behind her ear and into her head. The dress she wore was as blue as her companions, with gold filigree and silver trim, but to Serenity’s shock, it displayed symbols instantly familiar to the queen: amethyst hearts, winged stars, and a golden crescent moon. Lastly, there was a necklace of bright pink wound across the woman’s neck; it had a gold crescent moon emblem with a heart placed above the two points. Serenity remembered giving the necklace to this young woman back when she was a child, and as she made that realization, so did the lady’s name enter her mind.

“Amaryllis.” she breathed out, Serenity’s voice below a whisper and filled with awe. This woman was from Crystal Tokyo, from the Silver Millennium, and yet clad in the colors of an unknown yet friendly ally! How?

A world turned into a fortress. An ancient power awaiting its long-lived foe. And at the center of all, the peaceful kingdoms wait in the calm before the storm..........

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Sgtsoupie's avatar
Good chapter. A bit drag on and the repeated retelling in mid part where the sailor senshi situation are as of now.
Since most of the traitor marines are now loyal in this one, I must ask,what are the full list of the traitor legions beside night lord and word bearer as I cannot find anything that is originates from horus heresy, just a post heresy where the new chaos space marine warband are created