The winds of the Northern mountains howled across the slopes, carrying with them a harsh blizzard that reduced a pony’s sight to only a few meters ahead, and chilling most creatures that dared to traverse the natural boundary between Equestria and Yakyakistan to the bone.

And yet, despite the freezing wind blowing against his face, an armored giant trudged through the snow, each step sinking several feet beneath the surface of the snow. His armor was enormous, huge crimson shoulder pads dwarfing his bald and scarred head as he struggled through the snow. His armor was decorated with several skulls wrapped with chains, along with bony spikes jutting out from random angles. Above his head was the mark of Khorne, made out of bronze and radiating unnatural energies that caused lesser creatures to flee. His left arm was covered in an oversized metal fist, a double barreled gun strapped to its side. His other hand carried a wicked chainaxe, a dull grey metal stained with red from many previous battles.

“Damn this snow!” The giant roared, swinging his weapon as if to cut through the offending white particles. “The skull of this damned beast had better be worth all this trouble!” He growled, his bulky terminator plate hindering his movement in the snow. “If that equine xeno sent me here to try to get me killed, he will be sorely mistaken! I am Zhufor the Impaler, Butcher of Vraks! I will not be defeated by something as pathetic as the cold weather of a backwater rural planet!”

The armored warrior paused, his heightened senses picking up a familiar scent. “Blood…” He growled, stomping towards where the scent was coming from. His grip tightened as he came across the source of the scent, and cautiously approached.

Following the aroma led him to a grizzly sight. A wooly mammoth lay motionless in the field of snow, its brown fur tossing in the violent wind. If not for the snow storm, the warrior would have seen it far sooner. He could also hear the rabid tearing of flesh, a predator feasting on its kill.

It stopped, and the warrior smiled. A four legged creature climbed up the mammoth from the other side, glaring at him with red and black eyes. Its fur, which covered seventy percent of its body was as white as the snow with a tuft of red between its eyes, its skin peaking through its face, behind and front paws. The warrior noted that it appeared to be a hybrid of a panther and monkey.

“So you are the beast that was giving those xenos trouble!” Zhufor growled, letting his Chainaxe roar to life as he approached. He vaguely recalled that the villager had mentioned it looking something like this. The memory of that annoying villager angered the Warrior further, and he yelled at the beast. “I will claim your skull for the Blood God! Prepare to die, vermin!”

The predator’s roar boomed through the blizzard as it rushed Zhufor, claws unsheathing from it’s exposed paws. The power armored superhuman turned a shoulder and charged, knowing he wouldn’t be able to dodge as his armor pumped stimulants into his bloodstream. The beast hit him head on, its claws scraping against his armor while its jaw went for his head. He swung his power fist, raising it up to meet the beast’s head with powered ceramite. The beast let go upon sensing the crackling energies surrounding the oversized gauntlet, leaping back and out of his reach, landing in the snow for but a second before charging him again. It’s claws flew up to tear into his side, but suddenly found itself slammed into the ground. Zhufor lowered his arm, having smashed it with his elbow as it came at him, before swinging his chainaxe down at it, intending to cut into its neck, but to no avail as the white beast rushed forwards, ducking behind him before turning and pouncing on his back.

It scratched and clawed at his armor, trying to find purchase while Zhufor attempted to tear the beast off of him. Unable to do so with his arms, he spotted some of the trees that dotted the mountainside a few feet away, and began to move towards it, and slammed his back, as well as the beast, into the bark. The tree broke upon impact, sending it crashing down while the beast yelped in pain. He whirled around, chainaxe roaring as he brought it down upon the wounded animal. Whirling metal teeth bit into flesh, and Zhufor grinned as it cried out in pain. He was less enthused when he realized he had only gotten one of its arms, and noticed it jumping away and whimpering.

“Dammit all!” Zhufor growled as it tried to flee, reluctantly bringing his power fist up. There was a soft, almost unheard click, before a boom cracked through the air, and the area just above its legs disappeared in a red and white mist, bone shards flying into the snowy ground around it.

Smoke hissed from one of the barrels of Zhufor’s Combi Bolter as he re-engaged the safety, and stormed towards the wounded animal as it desperately tried to use its only remaining limb to crawl away. “You made me waste a round on you, scum. You should be ashamed.” He grumbled as he stomped on what was left of its body, raising his axe high and letting the sound of its engine roar echo across the snowy mountaintops, and grinned when he sensed its fear. “Blood for the Blood God, Skulls for the Skull Throne!”

And his axe descended.

Gorechild swung, the teeth tearing through the Pegasi’s neck surprisingly cleanly, and Gordon let out a blood curdling scream that was only amplified by his vox-grille. And then…

And then the red mist receded from his mind, the burning headache going away with it. “W..what…?” Gordon gasped, stumbling backwards as a click was heard from inside his helmet. He glanced to the upper left side of his vision, and saw a number tick upwards.

0018

Gordon looked away from the curious number and saw the corpse of the pegasus he had decapitated. He stumbled backwards in shock, almost dropping Gorechild. “What the hell?!” He looked around, noticing for the first time that the village was burning around him. “What the hell?!”

After taking several seconds to calm himself, he looked around at the slaughter around him. at least a dozen of decapitated or mutilated ponies filled the road, their blood pooling around their bodies and reflecting the light of the flames. All of them bore ruined golden armor, and he turned from the carnage. ‘What happened? I remember some kinda bomb flying through the window… then…’

Behind the lenses of his bloodied helmet, Gordon’s eyes widened as the distorted memories started to come back to him. Ponies cut into pieces, a high ranking soldier screaming as he cut into him bit by bit, and all the blood, the rage, and-

‘I did all of that…?’ He stumbled backwards. He had never killed before. He had heard that most people would feel sick to their stomachs, but right now he felt… nothing. “What the hell is wrong with me…?” He muttered to himself, lifting his blood soaked chainaxe. ‘Gorechild… that was your name, wasn’t it…?’ It was a brutal weapon. Gordon hadn’t read much of the backstory for Khârn, but if he recalled correctly the teeth of the blade had been pulled from some kind of… dragon? “What made me go berserk like that? I need to keep it from doing that again.” He looked around at the destruction he had apparently caused, before he realized something. ‘Where are the villagers?!’

While he was distracted, Wanderlust glided down from one of the rooftops and landed a few paces behind Gordon, eyes wide and irises shrunken. “G-good work… th-thing…” She immediately regretted the way she phrased that, flinching at how crudely she had dubbed the being she hadn’t really acquainted herself with. “Uh- er- uhm… you really… ripped and tore…”

Gordon turned to look at her, the green lenses of his helmet glowing as he started moving towards her. “Where are the rest of the villagers?” His voice came out like a growl through the helmet’s vox grille as he stopped just in front of her, looking down at the pony.

Wanderlust took a step back, a chill going down her spine. “Th-the mayor i-is gathering everypony to th-the town square. F-for an announcement.”

“Alright…” Gordon nodded. “Good… they survived…” He let out a deep, hoarse sigh. “How many villagers died?” He asked her.

“I… I don’t know. A few of them s-split from th-the…” She stopped midway, squeezing her eyes close. “A few split from the m-m-main group and w-were k-killing… ponies. The mayor killed most, a-and we… b-barely reached the barracks in time to save the dayshift…” Her voice died in her throat as she finished.

“... I see.” Gordon nodded. “The bastards will pay dearly for this…” His grip tightened on the haft of Gorechild. “Did any of those gold armor mongrels survive?”

“Y-yes… one. Th-the town doctor is watching him.” Wanderlust remarked weakly, and Gordon swore he heard her trying to repeatedly take gulps in between words.

“What’s wrong?” Gordon decided to finally ask, since her behavior was starting to upset her. “You’re acting like you're utterly terrified, or scared, or something.” He decides to look into the enemy survivor later.

“I-I almost lost m-my family, and there are t-tons of bodies everywhere!” Wanderlust backed away, realizing that she’d raised her voice at the strange being that had slaughtered more than a few trained soldiers single handedly.

“Oh… apologies.” Gordon said, looking down at her. “I had no idea.” He began to walk away. “We should go to that meeting… I’ll be checking in on that damnable soldier later.”

Wanderlust opened her mouth to protest, but the pile of bodies silenced her. Instead, she turned and took flight, leaving Gordon alone.

“Well… guess I better go find the town square.” Gordon grumbled. He began to walk towards the center of the town, hoping that it was where the Town Square was. After about five minutes he eventually found his way to the gathering, removing his helmet and locking it to his belt as he approached.

Wisteria stood alone on top of a balcony, looking down over the sea of townsfolk, a graceful yet emotionless smile dancing across her muzzle. “You all have my sincerest apologies for the events that have occurred not moments ago. Due to our lacking defenses, we weren’t able to know ahead of time of their attack. We lost half of our guards, and I have no doubt that more will be lost if we linger here for much longer. Therefore, I propose that we make way for Ophelius, the capital of the Lunar Rebellion.” Her voice boomed without her even shouting.

The crowd began to stir, and a few began voicing their protest.

“You expect us to just leave our homes because of some bullies!?” One stallion, whose right eye was covered with a bandage leaking fresh blood cried out.

“Bullies?” Gordon spoke up, raising his voice enough to be heard by everyone… er, Pony. “Bullies take lunch money from children, or push them around. These bastards went and burned down your houses, killed your families, and wounded many of you! They aren’t bullies, they’re monsters! And what makes you think their buddies won’t come looking for them?” The crowd seemed to shrivel up at his exclamation.

Wisteria smiled mildly. “Well said. I won’t force anypony to follow along, but I believe that it’s in your best interest to leave as soon as we can. If not as a group, then as strays for them to pick off.” With that, the unicorn stepped down. “Gather your belongings. We leave next nightfall.”

Gordon walked towards her as the crowd dispersed, waiting for them to have all left before finally speaking to her. “Not entirely sure I should have spoken up, but hopefully they’ll listen.” He said, kneeling down a bit so she didn’t have to look up as much.

“It’s their choice regardless. They won’t have my guards, though.” Wisteria remarked casually. “I hope I can count on you to keep me and my little ponies safe.”

“Well…” Gordon paused as he considered his options. If he stayed, he’d likely be of help to those who remained, and would be able to live a quiet life after a while. But if he left… “You said you were heading to your Princess’ capital, correct?” He asked.

“Correct.” Wisteria gave a firm nod.

“I’ll go with you. I have all this… strength, and would rather not let it go to waste.” Gordon said, his mind made up. “I’ll go to join your war, and make sure such an atrocity as this never happens again.” He stood up, rolling his shoulders. “I guess you need to get packing, so I’ll leave you to it… I’ve got some things to think about.”

The door to the small cottage burst open, somehow hanging onto its hinges despite the force put into knocking it open. The winter wind blew into the warm house, and Zhufor shifted, struggling to make his way in without destroying the house. Once he was inside, he went straight towards the source of his burning hatred… and odd interest.

“Filthy Xeno horse!” He bellowed, towering over the orange coated pony with a green curly mane.

“Good day to you too, mister. Would you care for some hot chocolate to warm your belly?” The stallion asked, outstretching a hoof that held a wooden mug.

“I am an Astartes blessed by the Blood God! I do not need warm beverages, for my hatred for all life burns bright!” Zhufor growled. “Besides, the cup is too small for my hands!” The champion of Khorne raised his power fist, holding the decapitated head of the beast he had slain. “The beast that attacked your accursed village is no more, it’s skull given to Lord Khorne’s throne!”

“Ah! Thank you a hundred times over! I’m sure the children can play again once summer comes about, thanks to you!” The stallion gleamed cheerfully, setting the mug down on a tiny, rickety coffee table. “And in such a timely manner, too! I hope you didn’t get frostbite out there! Amore knows it’s been colder since the Empire vanished. If you’re cold though, I could take you to the hot springs!” He pointed to a hatch door leading to his basement.

“There is no need! I have already repaid the debt I owe you, Xeno! I do not wish to be indebted once more to something like you!” Zhufor grumbled.

“It’s okay, the hot springs free if you ever feel like you need to feel toasty!” The stallion, or Tuque as Zhufor had learned earlier, replied offhandedly… offhoofedly?

“I will likely not be staying long, xeno.” Zhufor growled. “Unless there are more skulls to claim in these realms, then I will depart to seek more skulls for my lord Khorne!”

“Okay. Do you need a guide to get out of the tundra?”

“Hmph. As if I’d need the assistance of a Xeno… again…” Zhufor grumbled, before pausing to think about something aside from murder. ‘I doubt all these xenos are like this annoying one… I doubt I’d be able to get the locations of powerful beasts to kill in Khorne’s name… perhaps his presence will be able to aid in quelling their pitiful fear…’ “Very well. I require one of you xenos to keep the other xenos from running in fear or other pitiful actions at the sight of me…” He reasoned he could just kill everything on the planet… and save these somewhat useful xenos for last.

“Okay, I’ll help! Oh, and sorry if I’m a bother.” Tuque said, grabbing a thick scarf and wrapping it around his neck.

“You had better be able to move fast, Xeno. I dislike delays.” Zhufor growled as he wedged himself out the doorway. “What direction shall we go?”

Tuque hummed, tapping a hoof to his chin. “Well, where would you like to go?”

“I do not know this planet, Xeno. I know not the geography, nor any towns.” Zhufor growled, raising his axe above his head. “All I know is that I must kill in Khorne’s name!” His face twitched and turned into a frown. “And that I was… r… rescued. From a pit. By a filthy Xeno.” He struggled to get the words out, despising each syllable as they came out of his ruined mouth.

“Sorry about that, but at least you’re okay.” Tuque perked up, “Well, what about Equestria? There’s a war going on, so maybe you’ll fit in- well, uh, apologies. No offense.”

“A war? That sounds like the perfect place to collect skulls for Khorne!” Zhufor said, the left side of his mouth splitting into a grin almost as wide as the torn cheek on his other. “We shall go to this ‘Equestria’ then! Are the warriors of your species capable fighters?!”

“I wouldn’t know. Crystal Ponies haven’t exactly been a contender after the capital vanished.” Tuque shrugged. “I wouldn’t know about our sister nation.”

“Then I will have to test their mettle myself, and judge their worthiness to join Lord Khorne’s throne!” Zhufor growled. “Now, show me the way!”

Author's Notes:

Apologies for the short chapter this time around, me and my co-writer felt that it should end with that final line. Hopefully next chapter will be longer.

And apologies for the delay! We were dealing with some real life stuff and were having difficulties finding time to write.

Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed, and will see you in the next chapter!

And feedback is always appreciated!