Khârn’s POV

“Brother.” Zhufor called out, and I turned to greet him.

“Yes, Zhufor? What is it you require?” I replied. We were currently at the Rainbow Falls Encampment, and so far no Imperial forces had attacked. Yet.

“After the arrival of the Imperium, a faction of Traitor batponies calling themselves the ‘Lunar Fist’ has risen up to the north of the Diamond Dog's Territory. Since you are our expert in fighting the batponies, or Thestrals, as they are now called, Ahriman has assigned you on a solo mission to remove them before they could join the Imperium.”

“Of course. I will prepare for travel at once.” I replied, walking towards the armory. Zhufor followed.

“The Warmaster suggests getting the Diamond Dogs to assist you. As a precaution.” Zhufor continued, and I snorted.

“Those filth aren't even worth the trouble.” I replied, entering the armory.

“Yes, but their ability to tunnel is quite useful in the element of surprise. Combined with our weapons, which they now possess, they are going to be a formidable weapon.” Zhufor reasoned, and I sighed in defeat.

“I suppose.” Was all I said as I grabbed a Bolter Pistol, holstering it to my side.

“Like I said, it is only a suggestion. I shall leave you to it.” Zhufor turned around and exited the armory. I grabbed a large metal backpack, sliding it onto my armored back. The maglock clicked, and I removed it again, to place more equipment inside. I placed twenty magazines of bolts inside, along with five frag grenades, two melta bombs, three incendiary, ten Frak Grenades, and ten plasma grenades for good measure, inside the pack, before slinging it back onto my back.

I grabbed my Plasma Pistol, placing it onto my hip, before picking up my two axes. I slid them on my back, and walked out.

×××××××××××
2 hours later

I trudged across the area past Canterlot City, mostly to see what the Blood Alicorns were doing. The town of Ponyville had been reduced to nothing less of a Wasteland, much like that game Fallout. I sighed, glad I still retained my memories of my life before displacement. I checked my HUD, before turning left and heading Southeast. Suddenly, a cry of rage resounded across the Wasteland. I glanced up to see a pegasus in bright red power armor lunging towards me, power sword in hoof.

I rolled to the side, letting the pony sink his blade into the ground. I pulled out Gorechild, the massive axe bearing it's teeth. I pulled out my Bolter Pistol as well, before charging forward.

“For the Empress!” The pony cried, meeting my charge. Power sword met axe, and the bad splintered, before shattering into millions of pieces. The pony stumbled, and I continued my swing, the axe head bashing through his skull, with blood splattering everywhere. I pulled my axe out of the mess, pieces of his crushed head lingering. I shook off the gore, before returning the axe to my back. I quickly checked the skies for more hostile forces, but found none. I sighed, before turning around.

Bolter rounds smacked into my armor, most glancing off, but a few punching through the ceramite and into the soft flesh below. I roared, my pistol launching a return salvo blindly as I charged forward, my hand returning to Gorechild’s grip. As I pulled it out, I swung, cleaving three heads from their bodies. I glared, taking in the group before me.

A squad of ten Pony Marines blocked my route, with two holding heavy bolters at their sides. Three held Chainaxe’s in their mouths, the sharp teeth whirling angrily. The others had either normal bolters or chainswords, with the leader wielding a power axe. I withdrew my pistol, instead pulling out my other axe.

“Surrender now, Xeno filth, and you might survive in our prison. Might.” The leader growled. I held both axes at my sides, before looking him in the eye.

“I am Khârn of the Chaos Adeptus Astartes, Champion of Khorne, and general of the New Black Legion. My other titles include the Blood Ripper, Khârn The Destroyer, and Khârn The Betrayer. I do not surrender. However, I will duel you, one on one, in the name of honor.” I replied, raising Gorechild in front of me. The leader growled, before calling the rest of his squad off, and stepping forward.

“I am Cornelius of the Blood Alicorns Legion, 31st Company Sargeant, and I accept your offer.” He held his axe in his mouth, the Earth Pony getting into a fighting stance. I returned my second axe to my back, before getting into my own stance. I smirked within my own helmet, before rushing forward, axe swinging to the side. He countered, his power axe blocking mine and somehow withstanding the blow. He swung downward, the power axe aimed towards my leg.

I leapt over, the axe flying under my feet. I smashed back into the ground, and caused a tremor, which then caused Cornelius to stumble. I took the chance, my axe aimed for his midsection. He recovered, dodging out of the way with a few seconds to spare. I felt a digging sensation in my left arm, and turned to see him, his axe plunging into my unprotected arm. I roared, grabbing him by the head and tossing him to the side, before removing his axe and tossing it to the side. I stalked forward, my axe slowly raising to deliver the death blow. Instead, he leapt at me, hooves barreling into my helmet. I fell back, surprised, as he quickly recovered his axe.

He turned to see me already on my feet, and charging at me. Unlike many foes I had faced, he held his ground, and in moments I was on him. He blocked attack after attack, but couldn't land a blow himself. I swung my fist into his face, and was rewarded with a sickening crunch as he flew to the side, his helmet dented in. As he struggled to get up, I kicked him back into the ground.

“You fought well, Cornelius. I shall remember your name. As well as claim you skull.” I told him, before swinging my axe downward, the weapon destroying his upper body, save for the head. I pulled out a combat knife, and removed the head, before turning to the other Pony Marines. I growled, placing the bloody skull in my pack before pulling out a Frak Grenade. I primed it, before tossing it at them, and they ducked for cover. One slightly confused one didn't make it in time, and shrapnel dug into his armor and flesh. I pulled out my Plasma Pistol and opened fire as I marched towards them.

After a few minutes, the squad was no more. I wasted no time in moving towards my destination.

×××××××××××××
Three Days Later

After three days, I had arrived at the Diamond Dog Territory border. And currently, the Dogs were engaged in a battle between them and equines in midnight black armor, with power claws extending out of the hooves. The dogs were currently losing.

Without hesitation, I charged forward, Gorechild flying through the air, and embedding itself into the side of one of the Thestrals. He cried out in surprise and pain, and in minutes I was on him, pulling out my axe and charging for another.

Within minutes the battle was over, with the Thestrals retreating, and the dogs whooping in victory. I turned to one of them.

“You. I need to speak with one of your leaders.” I ordered, and he nodded, before leading me towards a large tunnel. I followed him through a series of winding tunnels, before arriving in a large chamber.

Ponies walked in lines, connected to carts carrying large amounts of gems, with Diamond Dogs watching over them with lasguns primed. A rather large dog walked up to me.

“What is Black Legion doin ere?” He asked. I chuckled.

“I am here under orders of the Warmaster. I am to remove a Thestral base north of here. From what I've seen, you have been receiving problems from them.” I explained. The dog nodded.

“Well, I am Boss Bighound, and I welcome you to my home. What you need?” The dog asked.

“I am Khârn, and I require a few of your soldiers to aid me in taking the Thestral Outpost.” I told him, and he scratched his head.

“Wot? Oi thought you Black Legion Boyz don't need da help of da dogs?” he asked, confused.

“Normally we don't. However, the Warmaster believes your tunneling ability would be of use in ridding us of these Thestrals.” I explained. He nodded.

“Ah, so da Warmaster finally sees wot we can do! Oi’ll lend ya some dogs. After all, dem damn bat pony things are giving me trouble too. Wait ‘ere.” he told me, before shuffling off. After a few minutes, he returned, with a group of ten diamond dogs in weird scrapped together armor. Parts of it was power armor, but other spots contained flak armor, and other types.

“Deez Boyz will dig straight through anythin!” he declared, and the dogs behind him all stood at attention. Or, at least, attempted to.

“Thank you, Boss Bighound.” I told him, before turning to the dogs.

“Alright, first we need to scout out the defences. Then, we will attack, with you digging through the ground, and weaken the ground below their defence. Then, attack from within the base, destroying any energy stores. Oh, and if you find an armory, your free to loot it.” I told them, and they all nodded. I turned around.

“Alright, let's go!” I ordered, before marching out of the cave. A dog led me back out, and in moments, we were on the surface again. I walked into a forest, where the Thestrals were located on my map. It was also nightime, I noted, so I activated my nightvision. I barely dodged the power claw reaching for my helmet.

I immediately dodged, grabbing the foreleg and breaking it. The Thestral screamed in pain, before trying with his other arm. I broke that one too, before breaking his neck. I dropped the body, pulling out my pistol, and turned to find the dogs surrounded by Thestrals, and blocking blow after blow. I took aim, carefully firing into the Thestrals heads. One by one, they fell, dead. I checked my squad. Two had died. I growled.

“Well, there goes that plan.” I growled, turning back to the dogs. “Change of plan. They know we are here, so now we can't sneak up on them. So, we are charging head on, or at least I am. You will pop out of the ground around their defences, attacking them from behind. After you kill one, return underground, and head inside the facility. Do whatever after that.” I ordered them, and they nodded, before digging underground. I got up on my feet, and trudged through the forest, alone.

I encountered three squads of Thestrals, and dispatched them quickly. When I finally arrived at the Lunar Fist outpost, I examined it quickly. A small, rockcrete facility, with five bolter turrets lining the walls. Thestrals patrols every five minutes, with sentry towers watching the surrounding area. I pulled out my Plasma Pistol, along with the Bolter Pistol, and charged forward, opening fire as I ran. At the same time, the ground around the turrets shuddered, before the turrets fell into the wall. Diamond Dog Warriors leapt out, attacking the Thestral squad next to them before jumping back in the hole they made, killing five. An alarm went off, and Thestrals began crowding the walls.

At this point, I was already scaling it.

“Thestrals! I am Khârn The Betrayer! Leader of the 45th Company of The Lunar Republic Lunar Guard! You, whose ancestors betrayed Princess Luna, after the War of Darkness, I have come to exact your charge of execution!” I roared at them, and they flinched, before opening fire. But it was too late. I grabbed one, and chucked them over the edge, before vaulting over the wall, both axes drawn.

“BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD, SKULLS FOR THE SKULL THRONE!” I roared, before digging one axe into a Thestral soldier’s head, splitting it in two. The other axe found purchase in another Thestral, splitting his front body in half. I charged forward, gore spraying across my armor as I tore into the Thestral forces. Suddenly, I was kicked in the side, before falling into the compound. I quickly picked myself up, searching for the culprit. A Thestral in familiar decorated armor landed in front of me. The armor was a mix between ancient Lunar Guard Armor, and current Thestral Power Armor. The soldier removed his helmet, and stared at me.

“Khârn The Betrayer, my family has told legends of you for generations. I thought they were false until the war.” He told me, and I raised an eyebrow before removing my own Helmet.

“Oh? And what family was that?” I asked, slightly interested.

“You knew my Ancestor. His name was Captain Steel Wings of the 45th Company of The Lunar Guard. I am General Steel Swords of the 45th Company of the New Lunar Guard. For committing crimes against Equestria, you have been stripped of rank, and are to be executed.” The soldier said, and I nearly dropped my axe.

“Steel Wings?! He went rogue?!” I exclaimed, not believing what I had heard. He shook his head.

“No. My Ancestor died in the final battle between Celestia and Luna. His wife, however, did.” He replied. I sighed.

“He was a good soldier. But you.” I pointed my axe at him. “You have sullied his name by fighting for Celestia. I will kill you.” I growled. “However, because you are Steel Wing’s descendant, I will honor him. Steel Swords, I hereby challenge you to a one on one duel to the death. Melee weapons only. I want to see if you live up to his name.” I declared, getting into a fighting stance. He nodded, before getting into his own stance, power claws extending.

“Then, in my ancestor’s name, I accept your challenge.” He replied calmly, before leaping at me.

I jumped out of the way, his talons sinking into my shoulder plate, but doing no damage to the body beneath. My axe swung out, attempting to strike him in the side. However, he dodged, his claws suffering the attack instead, and holding. I pushed harder, the brute force sending him flying into the wall. He got up immediately, his eyes burning with battle fury. I charged at him, axe raised, and he leapt at me, sinking his claws into my chest before I could dodge. I grunted as the electricity leapt through my body, but still dislodged him. I tossed him into the ground, before swinging my axe down. He leapt out of the way, but his left hindleg wasn't quick enough, and was crushed under the strength of my swing. He cried out in pain, collapsing to the ground as his leg was caught. I lifted it again, preparing to deliver the death blow, but he jumped out of the way, panting for breath. Almost black blood gushed out of his leg, before dissipating into the air. I chuckled.

“So, Steel Wings had a Daemon inside him when he got frisky with his wife. That's hilarious!” I began laughing, and he raised an eyebrow.

“What? What in Luna's name are you talking about?” He asked, confused. I held up a hand as I tried to regain composure. When I did, I stared him down.

“Your ancestor, Steel Wings, had been possessed by a Daemon when he made love to his wife. Somehow, that caused your family to be half Daemon. Congrats kid, you are actually somewhat of a challenge for me now.” I told him, before rushing him before he could reply. He leapt out of the way, his leg now fully healed, and hit me along the side with his Power Claw, raking my arm. I roared in pain, while also laughing.

“Yes! This is the challenge I've been waiting for!” I yelled as I hit him with the side of my axe. He went flying, before his wings swept out, stopping his flight entirely. He hovered, glaring at me with a small amount of rage.

“I don't know what you mean, Khârn, but I am still going to kill you, for all the innocents you have killed!” He roared, and charged at me, claws extending slightly. I dodged, hitting his back with my elbow. He hit the ground, before getting up again, growling. His eyes turned red.

“Good, let your anger take over. Awaken your Daemon blood to it's full potential!” I chided, and he lunged at me, his claw raking the side of my face. I roared, punching him directly in the gut, and sent him flying once more. He hit the wall, hard, and rose again. The air turned cold, then warm again, and slowly climbing. His eyes glowed red, and his fur began changing color, turning blood red, and his teeth extended, becoming sharp fangs. His armor bristled, before expanding. The claws extended, becoming a complete set of five claws, which glowed with dark power. Two horns sprouted from his head, and his wings sprouted burning blades. He roared, the shockwave sending most of his men flying.

I braved the storm, the energy bouncing off me. The transformation was complete. Where Steel Swords stood, now stood a half Daemon Thestral. His mane was a burning flame, and his tail a flaming maul. He looked himself over, shocked.

“What..happened?” He asked, eyes full of fear. I laughed.

“Welcome to Daemonhood, Steel Swords! Or, half-Daemonhood, I guess.” I told him, and he set his sights on me, before lunging forward, faster than I could blink, and threw me into the wall, the impact shattering the rockcrete wall entirely. I groaned, chuckling.

“Damn. That is some power.” I told myself, pulling out my axe again.

“With this power, I will kill you, Khârn, and destroy the Black Legion entirely!” Steel roared, pouncing on me. I dodged, hitting him like a baseball with my axe, before sending him flying into the air.

“I don't think so, bud. I've been holding back this whole time, because you damn ponies are so fragile. Now that you're a Daemon, I can finally go all out!” I roared, my eyes glowing. I felt the familiar pang of the Nails biting into my head, urging me to kill, and I responded, my body flying at Steel Sword at inhuman speeds. My axe smashed into him, sending him crashing to the ground like a meteor. A small part of me hoped the Diamond Dogs had gotten out, but the rest of me shoved that part aside, wanting only death for my enemies. I roared, my axe falling down towards the Daemon’s body. He got up, and met my fall, his talons meeting my axe in a shower of sparks, along with a shockwave, flattening the forest around us. I head butted him, sending him reeling as I pulled out my other axe.

“DIE!” I roared, bringing my axe down on his neck. It hit the daemonskin, splitting it apart, and like that, his head fell off, and his body exploded in a burst of Warpflame. I fell to earth, grabbing the head and stuffing it into my pack. The remaining Thestrals looked at each other, then at me, before charging, guns blazing. I grinned savagely.

××××××××××××××××
The Next Day…

I groaned, holding my head in pain.

“What happened?” I asked, looking around. I was in the Diamond Dog’s cave home, in some sort of medical ward. I turned to the right to see Boss Bighound staring at me.

“Welcome back to the land of the living, Khârn.” He chuckled, helping me sit up.

“What in Khorne's name happened?” I asked, and his smile fell.

“When my Dogs came back, dey said you had lost it, slaughtering everything. When Oi came looking for ya, Oi found ya lying in da center of a crater, wit blood an dead bodies everywhere. We brought ya back to the cave, and now here’z we are.” The large Dog explained, and I nodded.

“I need to return to the Headquarters.” I told him, and he chuckled.

“We found yer communication thingie, and called dem Black Legion Boyz. Dey will be coming ‘ere in a few minutes.” He told me, and I nodded my thanks, before standing up.

“I guess I should go meet them.” I said, and he nodded.

“Oi will join you. Oi wants ta meet some of your Boyz, and see about coming into an alliance wit dem.” He told me, and I nodded. He led me out of the cave, where a Thunderhawk was just landing. The door opened, and Ahriman stepped out, flanked by his honor guard.

“Khârn, glad to see you are alive.” He told me, and I chuckled.

“Can't keep me down, Warmaster.” I joked, before moving my hand to Bighound. “This is Boss Bighound, and he is the leader of this tribe of Diamond Dogs. He wishes to join us in an alliance.” I introduced, and Ahriman nodded, before turning to Bighound.

“Greetings, Boss Bighound. I am Ahriman, Warmaster of the Black Legion, and head of the Council of Equestria. Before I can begin with forming our alliance, I must return Khârn here to our base. I will return here once that is done.” Ahriman stated, and Bighound nodded.

“Oi will meet ya when you get back.” he replied, and me and Ahriman boarded the Thunderhawk.

Once on board, Ahriman turned to me. “What happened? I sensed a large amount of Warp Energy from that forest.” He asked, and I chuckled.

“Well, we've got time, so I suppose I could recount the battle.” I told him, before sitting down. “It all started when Zhufor called out to me…..”

Author's Notes:

Well, hope you enjoyed this all Khârn chapter! Please tell me of any Spelling Errors or other stuff!