Unworthy, Traitor, Heretic, Scum, Inferior, Novice. The words were carved into Udorians chest like scripture. Deep, dark red blood wept from each finely written letter and dribbled down his muscle bound chest. Each scarlet line dropped straight down, one or two however had reached an augmetics plug, or the bio-link that led to his black carapace. Udorian stood staring blankly into the mirror that made up one of the walls in his quarters. He waited, desperately waited for something, anything to come from the wounds. He had expected some kind of epiphany or revelation to ease his mind and bring an end to this grinding guilt that had burnt into his very soul for the past twelve hours. Already his blood coagulated and his wounds paled around their edges, showing that their healing had begun.

The Astarte cringed at the thought of even glancing at the Emperor in his current state. He would know, the father always knows. He would deem Udorian a heretic, and would see him commit to the century long crusade into the warp, where the veteran would surely perish. A single tear trickled down Udorians face, dying as it hit the scar that started just above his lip. A part of Udorians’ mind tried to bolster his resolve, reminding him he was a space marine, and weeping over such an event was below him. The droning announced of a servitor blared from the speakers in the ceiling, yet Udorians’ clouded mind couldn’t make out the words that the creature mumbled, but luckily he didn’t need to.

The marine turned, throwing his dark robes over his torso and dropping his tunic over his head and tucking it tightly into his belt. He made for the armoury to be fitted into his armour and to receive his weapons. Weapons he didn’t look forward to holding again.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Rainbow Dash flew back and forth, covering the length of the colossal crowd in under a minute whilst keeping a keen eye on the parade route. She set her sights on the obscenely pink puff of hair and dropped down to land next to it.

“Nothing. Now stop asking! I’m sure we’ll all know when they get here.” Dash stated, crossing her arms.

“Ooooh! Are you sure Dash? Are you double sure?! Maybe just one more check?” Pinkie yelled as she bounced giddily.

“No! That was the ninth check, and nothings’ changed! Look, if this dude is as impressive as the space marines are making him out to be I’m sure we’ll notice him walking by.” Dash said in finality.

Her attention was suddenly grabbed by a chorus of ‘Excuse me’s’ and ‘Coming through’s’ coming from amongst all the anxious chatter that emanated from the crowd. Twilight was using a text book as a makeshift shield to push through the ocean of ponies before finally reaching her friends.

“Girls, follow me! We’ve been invited to join the princesses up at the podium! We’ll get to meet this ‘Emperor’ guy up front!” Twilight said, seething excitement; shortly followed by the others.

“There, Pinkie. Now you can see for yourself if anypony’s on their way.” Dash chortled, receiving a stuck out tongue from Pinkie.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Dash hovered over to the steps of the podium and decided she’d better use her hooves once in a while. As she and her friends climbed the short set of stairs at a relaxed pace they shared theories and expectations. Twilight simply couldn’t wait to see what she could learn from such a (apparently) supreme being, yet none of the girls could imagine anyone more powerful or godly than Celestia. Pinkie needed to know how many extras’ he’d want to bring to her ‘Welcome to Equestria’ party. Rarity wondered what alien royalty considered the finest clothing, and couldn’t stop thinking about all the inspiration she might gain from seeing such dazzling formalwear. Fluttershy simply hoped this wouldn’t be a repeat of her encounter with Luna on Nightmare Night. Applejack was always happy to make a new acquaintance, but hoped he wouldn’t be too snooty. Dash was pretty much all the way with AJ on this one, but was curious to see how her ‘Awesome meter’ judged this guy.

The group reached the top of the staircase only to freeze in terror. None of them had a seconds doubt about what the others were staring at, as all had seen this particular sight before. Sat next to Celestia, on her own professionally crafted wooden throne that was painted a dark blue whilst being decorated with star-shaped diamonds, sat Nightmare Moon. Celestia spotted the girls, her face becoming a warm smile at the sight of her student. In the seconds pause as the six ponies stood staring at Nightmare Moon Celestias expression turned to that of an awkward cringe, as Nightmare Moon herself looked painfully uncomfortable being gazed at in horror.

“Girls, before you say anything, I want you to know that everything is fine, I promise. I know how this looks-“ Celestia began before Dash sped up to Nightmare Moon.

“It looks like Nightmare Moon has brainwashed the princess! That about right, huh?! Well don’t think that trick is gonna work on this Pegasus!” Dash yelled as she jabbed an accusing finger at Nightmare Moons’ nose, the black coated alicorn shying away in fright.

“Rainbow Dash, that is quite enough. Luna here has just been through some...changes recently. I am fine, just as she is fine. Now please, I’ll explain everything to you all if you’d just take a seat.” Celestia explained in a firm tone.

Dash backed down, but kept her gaze locked on Nightmare Moons’ awkwardly shifting eyes. The girls nervously took too their seats. Just as Fluttershy sat down one of the space marines, the ‘Chapter Master’, strode out from behind the row of seats.

“Don’t you lot worry. Yer princess has briefed me on all this here,” he said, gesturing to Nightmare Moon, “and trust me, I’ll let you know when it’s time to panic.”

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

The gathering had become quite the sight. Dash couldn’t see the end of the two crowds that stretched along each side of the parade route. Behind the podium the route led up to stood the entire Halo Skulls chapter, with their war titans, Mechanicus attachment and the Grey Knight superiors along with them. The route itself was easily as wide as Ponyville itself, and stretching nearly the whole length of the collection of fields and hills that surrounded their town. It looked like all of Equestria had turned up for the event, thousands of faces, young and old waiting in anticipation.

Dash made a point of giving Nightmare Moon a good glare every minute or two. This had disappointing results, as the infamous mare simply sat idle or shuffled uncomfortably when her own reptilian eyes met Dashs’. Dash started to wonder whether this really was Luna or not, as impossible it seemed, even after Celestias’ lengthy explanation. The alicorn wore a gentle, silky dress that was not too showy, but held a very otherworldly beauty to it. Celestia however was in a very elaborate dress that hugged every curve, its patterns and stitches a rich variety of sharp and impressive patterns. The girls had all been brought their Gala dresses that they had hastily changed into, Rarity having no doubt they were certain to impress this alien king.

With that thought Dash spotted a what she thought was the first star of the evening. Celestia had started the sunset not two minutes ago and ‘Luna’ had raised her moon. The tiny diamond sat amongst a sea of purple and violet, and suddenly began to fall into the pink and orange near the horizon. Joining it were two smaller stars, then another two, then four, then ten. Soon, fifteen stars all fell from the sky towards Equestria, and all were becoming larger, even closer. In a matter of seconds the stars were recognisable as spacecraft, spacecraft that lit up the sky like artificial suns. One was a dazzling gold and white marble colour, looking like something that had fallen from a beautiful dream. Ten of the others were a stone grey with white and orange segments, the last four a blood red with gold decorations.

The crowds went wild at the appearance of so many colossal machines, the golden one being the largest and easily twice the size of the Halo Skulls ‘Emperor Class cruiser’. The hulls of the ships were beautifully decorated, as all the others Dash had seen, bearing banners as large as Ponyville itself and holding statues and monuments as tall as skyscrapers. Stained glass windows of a thousand colours lined huge portions of each ships broadside, depicting heroes and sigils with dazzling beauty. From each ship descended a small swarm of aircraft, each a reflective dot dropping from out the side and belly of each ship. The aircraft arrived at the end of the parade route in a matter of seconds, landing to deploy their passengers before swiftly taking off again.

“Right, now no funny business. Speak when spoken to. And try not to make a mess of yerselves.” Freadium ordered.

The princesses and girls suddenly, and probably for the first time, were on even ground. Each one feeling just as tiny as the other.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

The parade was legendary; Dashs’ ‘Awesome meter’ had reached its limit. Rank after rank of gold, red and grey armour clad alien lined up in perfect synch before her, Dash felt like a damn queen. The Golden marines were but a few, no more than twenty or so. The red and golden marines were in their thousands, maybe three thousand or so, and boated tanks, walkers and a number of decorated heroes, all of whom wore armour with such dazzling sculpting and paintwork it made Rarity practically drool all down herself. The majority of the marines, however, were the gray, white and orange guys, most of their armour being grey, with white and orange trimmed pauldrons. The three hundred or so royal guard Celestia had brought looked like a joke in comparison to the spectacle that stood before them, with banners raised high and mighty machines growling with unnatural life. Dash then spotted something bright, real bright coming from the distance.

“Stand.” Freadium announced, all present doing so immediately.

Dash stood, hands locked together at her front, her eyes squinting to make out who or what was closing in on them. Given a few minutes and Dash found herself nearly unable to look at the light directly, its rays utterly unforgiving and harsh like that of the suns’. She squinted hard, and finally could make it out to be an alien, two in fact, followed by a relatively small collection of guard and hooded servants. The beings seemed to emanate light, as if the stuff had been soaked into their skin and clothes. The closer they got, however, the easier it was to make them out. The first thing Dash noticed was how utterly huge both of them were, one being easily ten foot tall, whilst the other scraping fourteen. The figures reached the bottom of the steps leading to the podium, their faces rising into view as the light seemed to peel away from them.

Dash fell to her knees, as did all the others, princess and pony alike. The Chapter Master himself fell to one knee and bowed his head low, though through his own will. Dash, however, had become victim of some alien spell as her heart exploded over and over, her insides feeling as if warm water was running through them. Her friends fared no better than she, Fluttershy was in tears, Twilight seemed to have the life snatched out of her, Applejack clumsily pulled her hat off as if her arms had gone numb, Pinkie looked like her smile would be locked into her features forever, Rarity was shaking violently as amazement shattered her mind, ‘Luna’ shielded her monstrous features with her clawed hands and wept heavily and Celestia looked like she’s just been given devastating news, her expression showing her utter inability to conceive what was before her.

The being was beauty, might, authority and pure godliness incarnate. Words couldn’t describe, they would only insult such a sight at a clumsy and feeble attempt at bringing a comprehensible explanation to what stood before her. Its skin made it appear to be carved from some form of living bronze, not a hair or follicle to be seen upon any corner of its flesh. Its face was perfect, even for something so alien; it radiated beauty and an absoluteness that was undeniable as it was terrifying. Its hair was the blackest black, impossible black that denied the light that danced and shimmered about it, and utterly infallible as it was weightless. Its eyes drew all thing towards them, the very skies seemed to sing for the shining orbs that looked down on Dash with something that made Dash feel like this creature had known...something, something she now knew and would be a greater pony for knowing it.

It wore a simple robe, white as white could be and beyond with a blood red lining that showed itself here and there. His feet wore sandals woven of golden leather, and were so simple in design it seemed like this being was fully entitled to throwing them away like the trash they were. Upon his head sat a golden laurel, also an insult to such a magnificent being who deserved nothing less than a crown crafted from every jewels from every corner of the universe and crafted so that it takes generations to ensure its masterly crafted in every detail. The being she had no doubt was the Emperor looked down at the ponies with a gentle, warm grin, his arms slowly spreading at his sides.

“Rise.” He spoke with a voice that made Dash burst into tears, such beauty was not for the ears of something so ugly, something so repulsive and lowly as her.

Dash didn’t realise it but she had stood and soon buried her sobs into her hands as did her friends, even Celestia had tears trailing down her cheeks whilst Luna had regressed to but a shivering wreck. Dash was suddenly hit by a wave of terror as something touched her shoulder, something as gentle as a feather, yet Dash feared to know what it was. She looked up to find herself eye to eye with a kneeling God. The Emperor looked at Dash as a father does a child who has just accomplished a great challenge, his very being soaking Dash with reassurance. His face turned to look upon the others, his arm stretching out wide to beckon them over. Without a question or doubt the girls humbly shuffled over into the Emperors arms. Even on his knee, the living god towered over Celestia and Luna, all of them feeling smaller than they had ever know or even thought possible. The alien god pulled the girls into a gentle embrace, immediately filling all their hearts with naught but the upmost calm and joy.

“You see father, this is why I never go anywhere with you.” Said a voice that seemed to ring with the purity of a thousand diamonds, coming from behind the Emperors back.

They all turned to see the second figure Dash had spotted. Although eclipsed by the Emperors blinding glory and utter perfectness, he was no less incredible. The alien wore a suit of armour that looked as if someone had frozen a sun in crystal and carved it into what Dash saw before her, its surface so golden it made fire look like smoke. At his chest, pauldrons and knees sat an orb of ruby brighter that the armour is lay within, each liquid-like jewel having a black teardrop painted within it. A magnificent golden sun sat behind his head, in between his set of monumental wings. His wings were made of white feathers that held a wondrous pearlescent quality, his enormous wingspan making even Celestias seem non-functional and withered in comparison. On his shoulder was draped the pelt and head of a massive white lion of some description, Dash imagined the thing must have been the size of a dragoon when alive. The aliens face was much more appealing and gentle than that of the Emperors, his features reflecting the equivalent of a teenage colt Dash had had a crush on in flight camp. A swarm of freckles where dotted below his eyes of which were gentle and easy to look upon. His hair was a beautiful display of near weightless golden, wavy locks that danced about his handsome face. Every fibre of this being radiated ‘Knight in shining armour’.

“You always have to be centre of attention.” The golden clad alien said with a light chuckle.

“I’m sure you’ll have plenty of time to bask in admiration and fame Sanguinius. But for now let us put our marines at ease.” The Emperor replied with a soft grin.

The god stood once more and raised his hand to the thousands of supernatural warriors who, in perfect unison, snapped their boots together and hammered a fist to their chest in a salute. One by one the space marines filed away in a mirror of how they had arrived, leaving the crowds of Equestria to disperse and those who were present on the podium to board a Stormeagle gunship to carry them to Canterlot.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

The first angel. The blade of Baal. The purest heart any sun would ever have the honour to shine upon. Sanguinius had come to be known by many names, all filled his soul with the guilt of bearing such pretentious titles. However here he was but a strange creature, humbled by a clean and lush world that had yet to be worn under the uncaring heel of industry. Sanguinius scanned the nights’ sky, the first one he had seen in a long time that had not been polluted by a wash of artificial light from below, this sky was a canvas of dark blues, purples and glittering with a million diamonds. His wings twitched and ruffled as he took a deep breath in, his lungs giving him mighty thanks for granting such clean, gentle air. Sanguinius felt he had stepped into the promised afterlife, every sense he had was utterly soothed and calmed by simply standing upon the soil of such a beautiful world.

He turned from the edge of the palaces balcony and headed back to the gardens. A short walk and his father came into view along with the mortals all gathered about him like infants listening to an elders enchanting tales of adventure and magic. His father was still explaining the workings of the Imperium, its allies, and even the nature of its enemies. Every word he spoke was glued to the minds of the mortals, every syllable a prize of the upmost import. The Emperor sat leaning far back along a stone benchs’ length, his head propped up by one hand and the other making gestures of relativity to what he said. The hour had grown late, the sun had set hours ago and the smaller mortals had become unable to hide their yawns and heavy eyes. The two larger natives, the matriarchs he had been acquainted to, seemed to be at least temporarily immune to the late hour and looked upon the Emperor with all the concentration any living thing was able to conjure.

“And so, in conclusion, your world would be best...set aside from the Imperiums’ workings. Your lands will be forever under imperial guard, and routine checkups will be made to ensure your worlds’ safety and good health. But the Imperium has harsh minded occupants that would see your worlds benefits in their hands. Such problematic individuals, or even cultures, are being reasoned with as well as can be hoped. Yet the task of abolishing greed is one that may never be accomplished, and therefore the best we can do now is to ensure fragile cultures such as yours do not become entangled within the devious workings of the selfish and mad.” He spoke with such fluid ease it was easy to believe he had foreseen this conversation a thousand times over.

“So what will become of the space marines? Will they...just leave?” Asked Celestia, her tone hinting at her disappointment at the idea of the Astartes vanishing from her land.

“Such a fate is entirely up to you, however whatever decision you make will effect not just you and your world, but many others.”

“I’m sorry, your Majesty, I don’t understand.”

“You may choose to see the chapters leave your skies, to become little more than tears of light occasionally trailing the evening sky, remembered only as a tale of old times fit for the ears of tired children. But know that as quick and hasty my space marines are to respond to a threat, there will be little defence we could muster against an attack that may be set against your world, leaving days for an enemy to terrorise and murder before our arrival. However you may also choose to lend a portion of your world to my space marines, letting them set a fortress monastery within your lands or wherever they see it fits their desire. You may have to accustom yourself to the sight of my astartes quite quickly, and some might consider their fortress unsightly, but no foe would dare move to assault your lands or your people. Even those insane, and lucky enough to strike the soil will soon find their ranks swept away by the full defensive force of a space marine chapter. Note that my plans for this world, should you invite the astartes presence, is to see a pair of chapter make their home here. A new chapter has been born from the ranks of the Sons of Horus and I wish the Halo Skulls to oversee and supervise their development.”

“How large are these fortress monasteries?” Celestia inquired.

“Some, no larger than five miles in diameter. However in general, around twenty miles across, and each incorporating a ten mile wide manufactorum.”

“Can you promise that these, well, cities won’t be placed anywhere that would harm our landscape; or any landscape for that matter.”

“Of course, we’ll situate somewhere far from Equestrian borders.”

“Oh, actually I was hoping that, perhaps just a corner...or maybe a train route through a nearby entrance, that is if you don’t mind visitors.”

“Of course. Although more central facilities will have to remain closed to the public for safety reasons, all outer section facilities and structures will be accessible to the people. Although I can’t promise much entertainment within, most structures will be built as data relays and plasma generators.”

“I imagine many of my ponies would be delighted to just look at an alien creation, let alone be able to study it up close.”

“Which actually brings me to one last point; yes Sanguinius, I’ll be with you shortly.” Sanguinius bowed his head slightly in response.

“At the beginning of our crusade many worlds were held ordered to deliver a tithe to the Imperium, to better fuel our efforts. Such measures are not required any more, but work is always appreciated. If you wish it, I can have a train route be built to carry workers from your cities to both manufactorumns’ located within each fortress monastery.”

Celestia pondered a moment, considering how such a decision would affect her people. The prospect of having her subject practically trafficked across the world must have been a daunting one, Sanguinius suspected. The Primarch hoped the princess would refuse, or at least stall her answer to better think the decision.

“I’m afraid I will have to get back to you on that, my lord. As much as we’d be honoured to serve your armies efforts, our way of life would be harshly altered if we end up sending workers to such a place. I mean, the whole reason we get our-“ Celestia started, frantically attempting at finding a reason to deny the Emperors offer.

“Celestia, Celestia, please. I would have been more worried had you accepted my offer, do not fret.” The Emperor said calmly before taking a stand and heading towards Sanguinius.

“Uhm, y-your majesty. May I ask you something?” Twilight asked, her friends looking at her as if she’d just sneezed blood.

“Of course.” The Emperor replied, a warm grin spread across his glowing features.

“Uh, well...it’s just that...well, why us?” Twilight asked hesitantly.

“Why you?” The god king said back, receiving a frightened nod from Twilight in return.

“Yes, I-I mean, why are you so interested in Equis? There must be so many other planets with other races more advanced than us, or ones that have more resources. I just don’t understand what makes us so important.”

“Well,” He began, his stance suggesting he was taking a second to put what he was about to say in the right way, “Many ‘more advanced’ races say only a great power can vanquish a great evil. But in all my years I find it is the smaller things that keep the darkness at bay; everyday deeds of common people such as yours. Friendship, brotherhood, kindness and a good heart are the fiercest enemies even to the vilest Orc or tyrant. So, ‘Why the people of Equis’? ‘Why the Ponies of Equestria?’...perhaps it is because we are afraid,” The Emperor said grimly, his eyes almost looking through Twilight and into the universe itself. He refocused his gaze upon not just the unicorn, but all the Equestrians before him.

“And you grant us courage.” He said finally, a smile beaming down upon the ponies.

Sanguinius wasn’t one for theatrics, but his father was right, as always. The duo soon set off to the Emperors personal drop ship, sharing farewells and assuring their soon return. The Emperor explained how he would be overseeing the construction of the Astartes fortress monastery, and would return when the foundations were laid. Sanguinius waved off the princesses along with their retinue before turning back into the craft to head to the Halo Skulls’ new home, a grin held on his lips as his foresight new of a bright new future that was held for this worlds’ people.

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Emperor
.........Emperor
Emperor
EMPEROR
EMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROREMPEROR-QUIET!

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His blood!
NO!
HIS BLOOD!
NO! WE DIE!
.......................
Their...blood...
Their blood
Their blood!
THEIR BLOOD!
The shadows!
The puppets!
Never see!
HIS PAIN!
THEIR PAIN!
HIS PAIN!
THEIR PAIN!
HIS PAIN!
THEIR PAIN!