Chapter 136 - XVIII Vulkan

Nocturn Volcanic Death World, Feudalistic type

a Former Federation Mining Planet that lives with danger, As the Name Nocturn that is night, it is never night as Volcanic Eruptions, Teutonic Plates Constantly changing, Every 15 Terran years will make the moon of Nocturn that is called Prometheus comes close to Nocturn to commit all the Violent Enviromental Disasters all at once but it also come with great wealth as the Eruptions caused by the moon Pushed out various Metals to the Surface for easier mining, And Beast known as Salamanders or what the Fire Drakes that lived in Mouth Deathfire and monsters roamed the land that is not inhabit by Civilization... To outsiders it was hell to live there in such horrible condition, But to the People of Nocturn, It was home... They evolved from a Group of Federation Miners that was left behind into a community of 7 City States that showed Solidarity...

In a city-settlement of Hesiod, Hammering was Heard in the Local Forge... As a Giant of a Man Tended to his Metals, Humming a Tune as he Fashion tools for the Citizens of Hesiod...

"Vulkan are you done?"

"Yes, Father N'bel... Just Finishing the last touches..." He Laughed as he Made a Final Stroke to a Tool

N'bel was just a Metalworker when he found Vulkan, he had a sense he would do great things, He Introduced the Boy to the Promethean Cult and they Named him Vulkan...

In a Way he Treated him like a normal son...

"Well, Vulkan you have a Brother that is Arriving soon...Let see his return, shall we?" N'bel Laughed as they went outside.

In a Short Distance a Caravan was Heading to Hesiod... Bearing all the Goods of all the states needed and to trade... A Single Drygnirr a Small Fire Lizard barged into the Caravan path... a Man stepped down and Fed it with meat... after being satisfied with its meal it went away...

"Sir, That Drygnirr... is there a Meaning to that?" A Man approached the Leader...

"I sure it does... As the Promethean Cult wills it... I am Sure of it brings good tidings..."

A Scout rushed towards them tired and Bearing news...

"Scorpiad Horde is here!"

Upon hearing the word it resonated within him that he hates Bugs and Arachnids Like Scorpiad ended up in brutal fashion that many doubt that he is have a Grudge with such insectoid species...

As the Gigantic Scorpions Arrive hoping to get a Free Taste of Human Flesh was only met by a Single Man with a Harpoon Spear, He Fought with Brutality that some of his men Respect and Fear him...

"I never seen someone fought like that before..."

"I Know right? Only when Scorpiad is spoken he always be the first to kill them all..."

After The Last Scorpiad was Exterminated...

A Blood Soaked Man walked towards them Cheerfully; "Well, We have more Materials to Gather, Hop on to it as we Get what is needed and Leave Nature to take its course..."

As the Caravan Managed to gather what is the most important parts they immediately head back to Hesiod... Leaving the Carcasses to the Carion animals in the wild...

As they arrived to Hesiod, A Giant Blacksmith rushed out the City Gates and Hugged his Brother...

"Welcome Back Brother Alexander!" Vulkan Cheerfully Smiled as the Man was feeling his Bone Cracking from the Sheer Force of the Hug...

"I am home....Brother...Little...Lighter...Please..." Alexander Patted his Brother back to Inform him...

Vulkan Laugh as he let Alexander free...

'Well how the Trip Alexander?"

"Father N'bel the Trip was a Sucess... just a Little Bug Problems along the way..." He went to the Caravan and Show a Carriage that held several Crate of Ores and Metals that Hesiod was Unable to Obtained....

"And Vulkan how was your day?"

"I managed to Kill a Saurian... And I got a Gift..." Vulkan handed Alexander a Set Harpoon Spear....

"Its a Great Gift... here... Since that is gift for me, Why not a Gift for you?" Alexander Headed back to his personal carriage and Opened a Box revealing Several pieces of Lustrous ore...

"That is Gold is it brother?" Vulkan pointed out...

Alexander chuckled as he shook his head...

"Vulkan...This is Auramite... this is a Part of Your Real Father Armor..."

Vulkan Paused as N'bel did tell him that he was Adopted but he never knew his real father...

"What is My father like?"

"He was a Man of insecurities... But he was looking for you for all this time...Along with the Rest of your brothers..."

"I have brothers?"

"Around 20 of them...though I am a Stepbrother among many Stepbrothers to them in a sense..."

"Matters not to me, You are still My brother." Vulkan Patted his brother shoulders...

"Sounds fair enough...Let's Go hunt together sometime soon..." Alexander Laughed...

Vulkan Fashion the Auramite into Gloves that he used for his metal work...

They hunted Saurian together when Alexander was not in a Trading Convoy...

Such times they had together was cut short....

Dark Eldar or what was known to the people of Nocturn as Dusk Wraiths have arrive to Nocturn...

Through a Webway portal that is Hidden in Nocturn... The people were rounded up and Tossed into The Slave cages to be shipped off to Comoragh as they looked to the Hardy men women of Nocturn they Sent Slaving Parties of Hesiod... It was a Dark day...for them.

As the Walls of Hesiod cried of the Dusk Wraiths coming towards them... Almost everyone had a Hiding Palace to Stay as the walls merely prevented Wild Beast from breaching the city, but they could not stop the Hovercraft of the Dark Eldars... All hidden themselves but two people that was In a Forge that was Hammering sounds of Metal echoed the silent city...

The Dark Eldars cared not of the noise that was made as they believe that those that were making the noises was a Fool... But a Strong fools for the Dark Coliseum no less...

They found Two people at the Forge...

One was Waiting for the Other to finished his work...

As they Attempted to Captured them, they were met by Harpoons and Hammer to their skull killing them instantly...

Many of the People peaked just a Bit from their hiding spot looking at the duo that is uncaring of the Dark Eldar that surrounded them...

"Another day, another Trophy on my wall...Seem like these Dusk Wraiths are all bark and No bite" Smaller of the two smirked as he retrieved his Harpoon from a Now Twitching Corpse...

"Let's go Brother!" As the Giant Grinned as he held two Blacksmithing Hammers...

The Dark Eldar opened their eyes as these...

Two Lowlifes are killing their men...

As they tried to shoot Vulkan he immediately recovered from the mortal wounds...

And if they tried to go after the Alexander they were met with harpoons that impaled their head...

The Slave Barges of the Dark eldar was Destroyed by the sheer force of a Hammer tossed into them...

He alone Killed a Hundred Dark eldar using his Fist alone...

"People of Hesiod!" Vulkan Voice Boomed Across the city ..

"We have been under the shadows for too long...we believed that the Dusk Wraiths are invincible...but my brother and I have proven that they can be killed! would we be called the people of Nocturn if we hide once more? I call for you that we unable to fight them alone... But with your help this nightmare will end!"

Many of the Citizens heard his called and they decided that they should be the ones to make the first step... As the Dusk Wraiths was distracted by the Duo, they were swarmed by the citizens of Hesiod...

They managed to overrun the Dark Eldars and killed all but leaving the captain alive...

He was dragged into the interrogation room... He met Alexander...

*Tell me where is the Webway gate?* Alexander spoke

The Survivor eyes widened as he knows their language...

*Why should I tell you Monkeigh?*

*I will call She-Who-Thirst and you will be her first meal in Nocturn...*

*No you wouldn't dare!*

*Tell me where the webway is hidden or I will call her name! Perhaps she would be more grateful for a Monkeigh of Offering one of her delectable souls that hidden himself from her gaze. So even if you don't tell me I will grab one of your kin and Feed him to She-who-Thirst until I will find one that talks and I will let her breach Comoragh for free... So either by my hands or by that thing that is looking for you for almost a Eternity is your choice to make...*

*Alright, If I tell you the location... Would you let me go?*

*Of course. By Human honor...*

As Soon as he informed the Location... Alexander Opened the door and Several People entered each of them armed with tools of metalworking... He Slashed the tendons of the Eldar and left...

*Bastard you told me that you will let me go!* The Dark Eldar Screamed...

*I get the memo that I will let you go but I never stated that I will let you leave alive? Besides...you have plenty of fans that want to have a Piece of you...Enjoy the Torment you inflicted to the Monkeigh you done at Comoragh.*

Alexander Ignored the Screams of Horror in the depth of the Room... And a Few moment later the people went out and Held the Dark Eldar head in triumphant... They placed his skull Infront of the Promethean Temple as a Symbol of victory...

He went to Meet Vulkan and he was Surrounded by the Leaders of the City states...

"Please be our king..."

"Your bravery have woken us from our fear..."

Many of them wanted to make Vulkan King... But he laugh as he never wanted to be king....

"I will never be above you... As together we could defeat this new threat..."

Many were touched and they vowed that they will never once again hide from the dangers...

Vulkan noticed his brother smiling as he came with the information that was needed...

In a Hidden warp Portal... Several Slaver Parties returned but there was some that never came back...

They waited and They Sent out Scouts only fewer returned...

The Leader of the Raiding Party sent his Army to the Location and only a Single One was left...

The Survivor went crazy as he seen something delirious...

The Draaksward asked the reason...

"They butcher everyone and left me alive they used our weapons against us...They sent the message...."

"What is the Message?"

"We have come for you."

A bloodlust was felt around them it was very choking experience as the Survivor went Insane and tried to rushed back to the Webway gate...

A Harpoon rammed into the Skull of the Survivor...

Draaksward looked in the Surroundings and Found that there were no enemies in their immediate surroundings...

Several Harpoons rained down on the Eldar Encampment... each pierced the Skull of the Eldars.

On top of the Hill a Vulkan was Tossing Harpoons while Alexander was looking through a Magnocular...

"Direct hit... A little to the Left" Alexander said the new location... while Vulkan Grinned as he Tossed another Harpoon in the Distance that managed to impaled another Paranoid Drukhari...

"Seem like a Better Family bonding what next?"

"Seems to look like Barrels... Fuel? Right to the vehicles..." Alexander Pointed the next target.

Vulkan Lighted up the Harpoon in Flames and he tossed with such ferocity that the Vehicle bay That was loaded up with vehicles was blown up in a blaze of inferno...

The Drukhari managed to find the Duo and they rushed towards the location that some even used the badly damaged Barges to rushed towards them...

For each inch they took, Their blood Filled the Dusty Land of Nocturn....

Many died under the Harpoons and the Few remaining were met by Vulkan Hammers and Alexander Long Rifle he snatched from the raiding party...

*Step back Monsters!* Draaksward Yelled as he Used his Pistol to Vulkan, Every shot that disintegrated his body were recovered and He was Held up by Vulkan...

*Where are the Prisoners?* Vulkan Spoke in Fluent Eldar...

*They are not here...you Insect!* Draaksward clenched his teeth as he tried to break free from. Vulkan Grip...

*Then You are meaningless* Vulkan Immediately snapped the Eldar neck...

"Brother come here..."

Alexander saw several cages of People that didn't managed to reached Comoragh...

Vulkan with opened them with his hammer broken the locks and freed the beleaguered captives...

Many looked around and Search for their relatives... Other wept that there was no one to be found...

When they reached the Webway portal to Comoragh, Vulkan In his Fury bashed his Hammers till it cracked and Splintered... To the point he used his Auramite Gloves to Smashed it till it was in Pieces...

"Vulkan... There are 1 more Gate in this place... It would seem there may be a chance to save them..."

Vulkan calmed down and Agreed to the last place where the final Webway portal is left behind...

The Survivors was Picked up by the Hesiod Army that arrive to escort them to a safer place...

It was more heavily guarded than the First as the Outpost they established was destroyed by the Duo... But Two pairs of Red Eyes glowed in the Dark, Hungered for their Rage...

The Drukhari was attacked and they were slaughtered paving the land with their blood... Flashes of Light from their Weaponry briefly shown their attackers now covered in their blood... Bringing the Horrors to their doorstep...

As they attempted to flee Vulkan Stood in their way and he destroyed them... Leaving no Survivors to contact Comoragh to send in more reinforcements...

As Vulkan Looked at the Final Gate and Wanted to destroy it...

"Brother I have a Idea... I go ahead and Bring back our people. "

"You can't..."

"I am More Agile than you think brother... wait for me in Three days... If I unable to return Destroy it... Place your trust in me brother...just as you believed that I am still a brother to you..."

Vulkan Reluctantly agreed... And He waited...

During those three days... all sorts of People Managed to Escape Comoragh through Nocturn Webway... Captive Squats, Eldars, and People of Nocturn flooded the Gate...

Though he Wanted to Bash the Heads of those Eldars that was freed, he was shown that they were not the same as Several Wounds and mental Wounds inflicted upon them made him realize that there are some that are not decent people to their race...

A Eldar Child Approached Vulkan, His one of his eyes was removed and his left arm was amputated, he looked at Vulkan with curiosity....

Vulkan looked at the Child with his Crimson eyes... But the child didn't falter but he smiled...he held out his hand as if to greet it... Vulkan Reluctantly held the Child hand...

Several Children Surrounded Vulkan and Began to asked him to play with them...

At the End of the Day the Children manage to Play with the Giant...

And Soon, At the End of the Evacuation line they claimed that Alexander was arriving soon...

Vulkan Stood Ready his Gloves as The Last Figures arrived to the Webway portal... A Battered Alexander holding up a Injured Eldar Child in his Arms as he attempted to avoid the Drukhari Fire...

Vulkan knowing the Intricate designs of the Webway portal he smashed and Collapse the Pillar that Support its Functions making the Pursuers unable to catch up to them...

He Looked at the Tired Alexander Holding a Eldar Child In his arms... and he sighed a bit...

Vulkan became known as the Flame Lord of Nocturn... And with his contribution of assisting the People to Returned home... he was well beloved by the People of Nocturn...

The Rescued Eldars Managed to Contact their nearby Brethren that is affiliated with the League to evacuate them, they Gave assurances and a Treaty Of Isha that no Eldar race will attack Nocturn... As the Treaty of Isha held more power than any of their Vague promises...

But now it was a League Acclamator fleet arrive to meet the Leader of Nocturn... and to Evacuate the Survivors to the League Space...When the Captain of the Fleet met Vulkan they assumed that he was the one that they seek... they made several proper compensations for housing the captives, Food, Beverages, Livestock, Information of the Galaxy at large and a Fair Trade Treaty to Nocturn...

A Large Tournament was Held in celebration of several blessed encounters of Vulkan...

Not only he freed them from the Nightmare of the Dust Wraiths but he able to sign a Treaty of their Cousins that they won't invade... They Left him with a Token that was a Shape of Isah... 

In the Week of Merrymaking and Showing a Contest of Craftmanship and strength... A Pale skinned Individual arrived...

He was a strange amongst the population as his clothes was more of a nobility...

"I wished to join the competition... And I have a Proposition..."

Vulkan Eyes looked towards the man with interest... and the Stranger was allowed in...

"If I win in this Competition with Vulkan, the Winner would have his wish granted by the Loser."

Many around them looked interesting to the notion, what did he want with Vulkan.

Thus Began the 8 Days of Nocturn... Both of them won in one aspect or in a Draw that they were given a Task by the Elders to Hunt a Salamander in Mount Deathfire using the Forge before their very Eyes... And only the biggest Salamander would be the passing grade.

Vulkan looked confident among his people as he Crafted a Giant Warhammer while the Stranger crafted a Sharp Gladius Sword.

They both walked to the Summit in Silence... as soon as they reached the top..

They went on their separate ways.... Vulkan managed to find the Biggest Drake and killed it...

As he about to head down, Fate had other plans waiting for him...

Mt Deathfire Erupted and Lava began to spew out and He felled off balance... he barely managed to grabbed hold to a ledge barely clinging with his prize...

He saw the Stranger with a Bigger Salamander approaching him...

Visibly Worried he Tossed the Salamander he gained to the Molten Lava where its hide was unable to be melted by the sheer heat of the Volcano and used it as a bridge as he reached to help Vulkan...

"Why did you do it? Why gave up that prize?" Vulkan asked the stranger...

"No amount of prize is worth the sacrifice of my own son..." the man Smiled.

Vulkan Put the Pieces together and realized that the man that participated with him was his own father...The Emperor of Mankind...

"Father?"

"Yes...I am your Father Vulkan. Now let us leave before this place will get worse..." 

As they Stepped down from Mt Deathfire

The people saw that Vulkan was the only one that brought the Fire drake from the Sacred Mountain...

As soon as the Elders announced that he was the victor...

"No... I am not the victor...he sacrifice a prey that is larger than mine... To save my own life...there is no greater value of a Man that Cherish his own son..." Vulkan said to the Masses...

The Emperor released his disguise and now bright light emanated from his being... Shining brighter than the Skies of Nocturn...

"I sacrificed by hunt not because I wanted to... But seeing my very own son in danger, no father have the heart of sacrificing his son..." The Emperor Raised Vulkan Hand in the Air for all the people to see...

The Emperor teleported Vulkan to Bucephalus and Vulkan managed to looked out the viewport of the Ship...

How small...but he felt a sense of longing...

The Emperor Guided Vulkan to a Seat...

"Son, I would like you to be in charge of a Legion your birthright..."

"Father I would Like to be with you... but this is my Home...I can't leave it Undefended..."

"Matters not my Son... I will provide what is necessary to keep your family safe...and the people that is under your retinue.."

The Emperor Shown a Plan for what happen to Nocturn.

Prometeus was to be made into a Supply Dock and a Chapter Monastary...

And Hesiod would have a Mass Driver for allowing ships and Cargo to be Shot Through Orbit.

Training the People of Nocturn in Solar Auxellia Standards.

And equipped with knowledge and a Manufacturing of the League Weapons that is Imported....

As Vulkan listened to the Emperor Endeavors..."When will I Join My Legion?"

"Not Yet Son... I have lessons to impart to you..."

Soon Bucephalus arrived to Terra, Vulkan was taught all that he needed to know how to lead, how to build, all by the ideals of the Emperor... Vulkan met some of his brothers... Thought they were constantly headed out... He felt a bit sad about them... He met Magnus once in the Imperium Palace... Though Magnus get a sense of Premonition that if he let Vulkan Hug him, it would be more than a Few Broken bones...

After he was trained by the Emperor, He sent Vulkan to Mars to further hone his craft..

Upon the Lava City in Mars he Met Ferrus Manus as his Brother/Classmates they made several designs that the Techpriests that overlooked their education appreciated the Mindset of The two of them...

It was Until the Emperor deemed Vulkan Ready he sent him along with 5000 Salamanders recruits from Nocturn to Reinforce the Frontline where his legion was located at....

Alexander that accompanied him as a Commander of Fires Of Nocturn, a Division of Men and Women that joined the Astra military... Trained in the Minds of Solair Auxilia Instructor they were more than enough to join the rest of the Salamanders...

(Antaem, Somewhere near the Eastern Fringes)

A Group of the XVIII Legion is Making a Fighting retreat...

They were Battle harden as they fought to defend the Civillians... Though League Supply ships managed to get them resupplied and Carried off the Civillians off planet...

They were just 19k worth of Astartes along with Several Broken Guardsmen regiment vs a Million Orks and their Infamous Roks and Space Hulks that loiter in the surroundings....

Lord Commander of the Terra XVIII Cassian Vaughn Was Weary, for a Solar Year he managed to hold the line serving as a Rear Guard... against all odds... Their legion was Scattered to different front Some were sent to fight in the Rangdan Crusade... And Other like here are to kill any foes that sought to flank and attack from behind...

Though at this time their cousin Legions were unable to help as the Frontlines are stretched thin and despite, they never needed to asked for aid, the League sent them orbital Bombardment and Several Reinforcements. Cassian believed that they alone along with few Baseline commanders realized that they may fall soon, and they are willing to Bleed the Orks Dry so that Others would be saved...

Vulkan hearing his son plight headed to the most dangerous Battlezone... He took his newly furbished men and headed to where Cassian Vaughn is located...

(Cassian Vaughn pov begin)

How many greenskins are there?

They almost blotted out the sun...

I heard that there are other legions managed to reunited their Genefather... But I wonder how will our Genefather felt for us?

Disappointment? Disapproval?

Those thoughts linger my mind as I order the next battleline to fall back to regroup and enter to a more favorable position...

Though... My brothers knew it too...

We will be exterminated to the last...

As we prepared for one last stand... Perhaps unable to see our Genefather...

Several Orbital Bombardment commence around us...

The Space hulk that was leading the Orks was being destroyed by a Fleet...

The League? Didn't they were unable to help us at this current time?

At the Distance... A Giant Man Wearing a Emerald Armor and a Skull on his Shoulder plate... He wielded a Flaming Warhammer...

And behind him is Several of What seems to be my brothers... They bear our legion number... I felt a Sense of Belonging to the Figure that was ahead of them, A Krak Missile from a Ork that somehow survive the Bombardment have rammed deep into my Ceramite armor leaving me mortally wounded...

The next moment I stir from my slumber... I saw my Genefather Smiling sadly at me as I found myself in a Dreadnought...

He looked sad as he Activated the Protocols that made me stand among the living...

"Why?" I Boomed from the Vox Comms...

"Sorry I am Late...I want a Son like you that defended the People...I seen your records...I want you to defend humanity just like my father did...that Casing is not your Tomb as it is made by my very own hands... The metals I gathered myself and molded into your very being...I want you to walk alongside me and we defend humanity from the horrors of the Enemies of the Imperium."

A Baseline Human Wearing the Same Legion Insignia walked beside My Genefather.... 

"Brother, is he ready?"

"It is time to wait for him to heal..."

"That so? Hello, I am Alexander, Vulkan Foster Brother, Nice to meet You." The Human Smiled at what left of me...

"Nice...To...Meet...You..."

"Not Much of a Talker? Well you just been entombed, I do hope we do get along well Shall we?" He Touched the My Iron Hands and I somehow felt warmth...

That Man beside our Genefather Shine with something i could not express...perhaps...that is why he was like that?

(Cassian Vaughn Pov End)

Vulkan Managed to Reunited his Legion once more... He Called them Salamanders based on the Fire Drakes in Mount Deathfire... They are always caring of their own kind and Brutal towards others...

Kharaatan...

It was a Crossroads of Vulkan Beliefs...

It was a Joint Operations with the Night Lords...And they were sent to Investigate the Compliance not accepted by the Locals... Despite Several Ambassadors of the League they were most likely to rebelled... and Several Survey teams disappeared in the forest... 

Before he Arrived on the Planet, he was Wore the Token given by the Eldars...

Upon Landing he Met a Remembrancer that wished to observed him...

Corvus Looked at the Population and deem that even if he did Flayed the Entire City the looks on their eyes would show defiance...

As he approached the Forest where the irregularities happened...

He was Stopped by what seemed to be Eldar Weaponry...

His Sons Became Alert and started taking Battle Formations, Vulkan belayed their orders...

Several Exodites Eldar appeared from the Trees wary of the Primarch...

*Where Did you Get that Token?* What seem to be the leader pointed out the Isha Token on his Chest Plate...

*I Save Eldar, From Dark Eldar. From Planet of Flames. They Gave me Token as a Sign of Respect.* Vulkan Spoke in Eldarish Language with a Accent of Gothic...

The Eldar was Surprised that the Brute could speak their language perhaps they could come to a speaking Terms....

*Why you here Warrior?* The Chief Exodite lowered his Speargun at Vulkan

*My Father wanted to Know why you Attacked Us? We Are Not Drukhari? Where this humans Hailed from?*

*Apologies, Warrior... These people are a Descendants of the Slaves that are freed from Comoragh, They Hailed from a Planet Called Nocturn...And We thought that the Drukhari Came back again...*

Vulkan Paused... He never knew that there were those that managed to escape...

*Thank you for Saving My Kindred.*

*Seeing that you came to us with intention to talk, you are always welcome...*

*Well We Shall put this place under the Xeno Protectorate Act.*

*What does that imply?*

*Means You will be Under Protection by me and you still retain autonomy...and with my Authority as the Son of the Emperor I declared Khaaratan as My Secondary Homeworld.*

The Exodites were Confused and More Befuddled of Vulkan Remarks...

*Let me Speak to the Elders Tomorrow we give our answers.* The Exodites Faded Into the Forest...

The Remembrancer that he met walked up to him.

"Why do you wished for peace?"

"There are benefits, If we know how the Internal Eldar Society Interacts, In due time they will show us what is the Enemies we fight against... who is the one that is blatantly hostile towards us, and I do not wish my sons to die for nothing. And Besides... These humans are my people that escape from Comorragh..."

The Remembrancer nodded.

As they Retreated to the City They Found the City Fully Hospitable...

Konrad was Flabbergasted of the Individual Next to him Enjoying speaking with the Locals...

"Where in the Imperium did you get that man?"

"My Brother?"

"How did he Managed to make them Compliant so fast?"

Alexander Said Jokingly?; "By the Power of Friendship and being a Good History Teacher."

"It Doesn't Make Sense?!"

"Well, it does focus more supplies that is needed elsewhere."

"Vulkan Not you too!"

For Once Vulkan Managed to Sleep in a City that he didn't need to destroy...

The Next Day they were Met with a Envoy and a Young Eldar child...

*Whose Child is that?*

*An Orphan...Her Parents Was Killed During the Defense against the Dark Eldar*

Vulkan Lowered himself to the point she could see him eye to eye...

His Crimson eyes staring deep into her soul...

*Would You like to be My daughter?*

Alexander and the Remembrancer nearby heard that, and their jaw dropped...

"Brother, You want a Eldar Child as a Daughter? I taught you how to speak Eldar to understand them not to adopt one of them!?"

"I getting old... Am I a Grandpa? Macaldor you fool Did you Cursed me with those words that you wanted a Daughter among my sons? How will My people looked at her... My Plans..."

The Envoy was surprised perhaps she could be used as a representative for them in this so called Imperium...

As Soon as they about to sign the Treaty A Night lord Immediately Attacked Alexander and the Child and Fled... Konrad was Furious that one of his sons attacked the Peace ceremony.... and Vulkan Followed them.... He heard Voices between both of them...

"I had to do it, I have to Preserve the Continuity!" The Night Lord Screams

"Foolish Son!"

"I must preserve the Natural Order of the Timelines... He is Destroying the Lore! The Ordo Chronos Wills It!"

"What Babble are you saying?"

The Night lord Armed Himself with Several Vortex Grenade and it imploded around him... 

It Leave Both Of them More Questions than answers...

Kharaatan Was Designated as Vulkan Territory... And it was a Uproar in the Imperium that Vulkan adopted a Eldar Child and Having a Xenos into the Imperial Family was very confusing, Macaldor was Laughing but Vulkan Brothers was a Mixed bag some were curious, and others were indifferent...But the League was "Meh another Tuesday innit?" As they have more issues like the Orks and Some Bloodthirsty Xenos to worry about...

Magnus Took his sweet time to visit Kharaatan and understand what are the Differences of the Craftworlders, Exodites and Drukhari... they taught him some archaic spells that allowed him to safely lower into the warp to study it... Allowing Sanctioned Psykers to Manage to tap into the warp more safely than using the Normal Imperial Standards...

But as the Eldar Child was treated Like a Family as she grew among the People of Nocturn she learns how to speak Gothic and spent time with Vulkan his Nocturn Name was Little Fire as she could sense the Spirits of Fire... The Promethean Cult accepted her in their ranks, she could somewhat sense Horus and Lorgar Darkness in them and oftentimes she would cling onto Vulkan who also sense his brothers darkness in them... He was Wary of Giving Horus the Dawnbringer that he meant for Horus Ascension As Warmaster...

Nocturn

"Uncle Alex!" A Eldar Child Rushed towards the Weary Soldier...

"What the Matter Little One?" He brushed the Hair of the Child... 

"Where Is Vulkan?"

"He is Out talking with the Emperor, Did you meet Grandpa N'bel?"

"Grandpa always think about making new things.. he barely has time for me to play with me..."

"I see let's go on a Trip... why don't we have a vacation to Pizzaplex and Meet Freddy the Wonderbear?"

"I would Love too... Let's Go!"

Alexander Charted a Flight to the League and they went off... 

League of Ten Thousand... 

To the Eyes of the Imperium it was the Last Relic of the Past and a Open Secret that it helped the Imperium from its Birth...

To see what life was like during the golden age of humanity still blossoming in the East have made it A Empire within a Empire that the Leader was Granted the Status as a High lord for that alone...

Many Wanted to Visit it and they are always welcome...

One Such place is the Pizzaplex a Moon Sized Recreational center dedicated to making millions of People Head towards it... and what they were famous for was animatronic Band and they were unique in a sense that some had preorder their birthday parties for years to meet them...

As the two landed in they were met by several animatronics that was handing out maps...

"Little One which place you want to go? Seem Like the Concert start a hour from now..."

"Hmmm Roxxanne Cart course."

"Well here goes nothing..."

Roxanne Mini Cart is about the Size of Portland that it was like a Hour... The Friendly wolf manage to give the Eldar a Simple Haircut...

When the Show Started a Bear that is beloved by all came upon the stage and Started his performance... People cheered regardless of Race...

After the Concert the Eldar and Alexander exited and returned home from Nocturn...

"I wished My father and Mother is alive to see this..." The Child Looked at the Planet as they warped back to Nocturn...

"I am Sure they would want you to be happy... We may be one weird family, but Me and Vulkan Will Always looked out for you...Here a Gift" Alexander gave her a Gift a Soulstone that was Crafted for her...

"It was Made By Vulkan and Me... as you are a adorable Niece of mine...It will protect you from the horrors of what your Parents faced.."

"Thank you..."

As they Returned Vulkan looked at Alexander Solemn...

"Alexander Let's go...The Emperor Stated that We must Apprehend Horus" Vulkan Voice barely a whisper...

"Alright...I should contact the Exodites to leave her in their charge..."

"Where are you going Dad, Uncle Alexander?"

"Umm, We are going to have a Grandpa Emperor Business... I let the Elder in Kharaatan to prepare for your Arrival..."

"Will we see each other again?"

"I sure we will... Vulkan and I are very strong...we will be back as faster than a Salamander feeding time..."

It was the day that she never knew that she would lose her second family again...

It was Silent on the Ship...

Not a Word was Spoken among the Crew

Vulkan looked worried about his Brother decision of Betraying their father...

As he Arrived in the Istvaan System, Corvus Corax, Ferrus Manus and His was to take Istvaan V where the Sons of Horus Command Center was Located...

While the Fulgrim, Peturabo, Konrad Curze, Angron and Several Elements of Alpha Legion attacked Istvaan III to divert the sons of Horus Attention...

The Loyalist Sent their Drop Pods and Descended towards the Traitorous Brothers....

While their respective Solair Auxilia Regiments soon followed behind them...

They fought their way to the Command Center and Found it empty...

"Traitors!" Was Blared out in the Comms....

Vulkan Looked up in the skies and Saw the legion that attacked Istvaan III was Already Arrived and They landed their own Dreadclaws and Stormravens... And attacked their fleet, many was Slaughtered as they were Confused of the betrayal...

Angron Immediately dropped down first And Attacked the Forces still struggling to keep up with the Defensive lines...

Vulkan marched to meet his Fallen brother now that his Head was Filled with the Butcher nails he cared little of what he fought only blood to be shed was in his mind...

Ferrus Manus ignored the Orders to Defend and He went to fight Fulgrim in another part of the battlefield with rage...

After Vulkan Smashed his Brother Angron into the Vicinity of Corvus...

As He Join to meet Alexander to Regroup the Fires of Nocturn....

Perturabo ordered a Nuclear Attack on Vulkan Vicinity...

The Last moment of Vulkan Seeing his brother as they both engulfed in Nuclear Flames...

Look of shock and sadness in his eyes as his body was shredded by the Nuclear explosion...

After Vulkan Survived... from all the pain he could endured, he lost his brother...

More Atomic Attacks Was launched to Vulkan....

After seeing that he constantly recovered

The Iron Warriors and Night Lords attempted to apprehend him...

He Slaughtered so Much of the Traitors that the Ashen Wastes have filled with Blood of the Damned...

Konrad captured him and knocked the Raging Berserker out...

Later.....

Vulkan Found Himself in Chains...

He Struggle to Break free....

"Don't Bother Brother..."

"Konrad Release me this Instant!"

"Why do you Talk as if we are related?" Konrad Said Indifferently as if he was a different person...

"We worked together several times that i know everything about you..."

"Everything? *Chuckle* Seem like you are mistaken....Brother." Konrad Pushed a Button and He let Vulkan Showed His Collection of Flayed Humans...

Vulkan Eyes Widen as the Konrad he knew wouldn't do this...

"I know those eyes... Even my Supposedly sons wouldn't believe it...Soon you will understand my Darkness Brother..." Konrad Snarled.

For Several Months Vulkan witness the Horrors Konrad Have inflicted to the People...

He Didn't torture him Directly as if he knows the Vitality of Vulkan, He tortured him in his mind...

In one of these days Konrad Played a Game with Vulkan...

He Placed Vulkan into a Maze that is Made By Perturabo and Placing the Dawnbringer of the maze he rigged the odd against Vulkan...

Vulkan ignored the Traps His Brothers have made and reached for the hammer and activated the Secret switch....

"Didn't I Mention that you can't teleport out of this place..."

Vulkan Chuckled; "More than a Tool, It's a Hammer to Bring you back Brother!" Vulkan Swung his Hammer and Sent Konrad Flying...

Konrad tried to Deactivate the Anti-Teleport but it was denied...

"Why how? Wasn't this i made my escape!?" Konrad was Confused...

Vulkan Used His Hammer to Stangle his Brother, Then the Anti-Teleport was Deactivated...

Konrad Paled as Vulkan Activated the Teleporter and Hug Konrad with the Dawnbringer...

They Found themselves in the Skies of Macragge and they Barreled straight to the Earth... And the Friction of their descent have destroyed most of their flesh...

Guilleman was Having a Day in his Administration work... Though He wonder what the reason of Horus Betrayal was, Until he Received news that a Charred Vulkan and Konrad was Found By his patrols... 

When Lion and Sanguinius was arrived Vulkan Managed to greet them... and Told his Accounts at what happen at Istvaan...Before Passing out...

In the room where Vulkan was Recuperating... John Grammaticus, a Perpetual came in with Fulgurite Knife, though he would wanted Konrad to Kill him with that... Eldrad Changed his mind... As Vulkan have a part in the Emperor Plan...He Stabbed Vulkan in the Chest... Knowing fully well that he would lose his status as a Perpetual... he still went along with it...After the Deed was done, he went back into the darkness of Macragge, Guilleman Arrived in his room to find out that he was not breathing...

After Several Days, Guilleman crafted a Stasis Capsule for his Brother...the Unbound Flames...

One of Vulkan Sons Artellus Numeon that was rescued by the Ultramarines requested Vulkan to be Interred to His Home Planet...

 As they Headed Home they were attacked by Word Bearers and Demons in the Ruinstorm...

A Fragment of Magnus and a Contingent of Thousand Sons Assisted The Journey...

Artellus Numeon Asked Magnus as he Knows the Ailment of Vulkan

"What will you Sacrifice to bring your father back?" Was All Magnus Said as Salamander ship exited to Nocturn...

A Death Guard Followed Contingent Followed them... 

Artellus Numeon Alerted the Defenses of Nocturn and they were driven before they could touch the planet...

They Interred Vulkan into Mount Deathfire and made several Rituals that in hopes that Vulkan would Recover... For a Week of waiting the Rituals to work...Artellus Numeon remembered what Magnus said... He removed his Rank and Armor and Jumped Into the Lava... He was the Catalyst of Vulkan Rebirth...

Vukan Found himself in the depths of Mount Deathfire, Knowing nothing of what happen prior...

He Met two people...

"Hello, I am The Spirit of Mount-*Ow* That hurts that is Elder Abuse!" A Eldar patted his head... 

"Shut it Eldrad! Don't use My brother for your own ends! Speak the Truth!" A Golden Figure Slapped Eldrad With a Paper Fan...

Brother... That word sound familiar... but he can't put a finger on it...

"Fine, I came here on Behalf of the Emperor on one of his Favors, and He asked me send you to Him Via a Eldar Webgate Below Mount Deathfire...with the Artifacts you made..." Eldrad Led him to two artifacts that he has no recollection of building it... Talisman of Seven Hammers and Thunder Hammer Urdrakule...

"Don't Forget Vulkan I left something in my house for you!"

"Sleep Now You have work to do..." Eldrad casted a Spell on Vulkan making Vulkan Remember everything... 

 When he Truly awaken he found himself at the foot of Mount Deathfire, He was found by a Trio of his Astartes...Atok Abidemi, Barek Zytos and Igen Gargo...

Upon Silencing them of his return he orders them to come back in a few days to get ready on a Journey to the Webway...

 

 In the Middle of the Night In Hesiod, Vulkan managed to sneak into the city and found his Tired Father N'bel and his Adopted Daughter mourned for him and his brother...

 He wanted to tell them that he was alive... but now his mission is more important...

He went to His Brother House It was well kept despite the Occupant was no longer there...

There was a Set of Harpoons that they used to Hunt down the Drukhari, Vulkan First Salamander Kill. And On a Table is a Gilded Box... He opened it and a Finely Crafted Bolter that is sleek white and ammunition ready for it...and a letter beside them.

"Happy Birthday Vulkan... I burn plenty favors of my associates, and this Bolter is Crafted from the Bones that we hunted together and the Monsters I hunted during the Stars.... It is the Spirit of Nocturn... And I hope that it would Protect you in your darkest times... P.S Don't Hug Me Too much Vulkan, My back hurts a lot. And also, Please let Your Daughter know when you will be back? She does misses you very dearly..."

Vulkan could hear the echoes of his brother beside him when he read the letter...

He Took the Harpoons and The Bolter...

As he leaves, he turns to look at his brother residence for the last time...

"Thank you for the gift...Brother..."

"Are you leaving Father?" A Voice was Heard Behind him... as he turns around, he saw the eldar child he raised... trying not to hold back her tears....

"I will come back..."

"Uncle Alex said that and he never returned... How will you promise that you will return safe and sound?"

"I know I will come back..." He patted the child head as he disappeared during the night...

As he returned to the Mount Deathfire he was met of the Trio now fully armed and equipped with whatever deemed necessary to survive...

Eldrad Stood by the Entrance and led them to the Hidden Webway in the Mountain...

The Journey was Fraught with dangers as Demons Flooding the Webway from the Crack that Magnus had made... Using the Talisman of Seven Hammers he ventured the Maze and Avoided the Dead ends... The Bolters and Harpoons He Borrowed from his brother saved them in several occasions as the Shells made the demons have a true death, as soon as he reached the Entrance of the Imperial Dungeon it was Shut Close... And the Denizens of the Warp are pounding the door...

They Noticed the Group and about to Swarmed them...

Vulkan was Saved By a Headless Ferrus manus and Several Astartes Legions that was Clad In Flaming Gold...

He Saw his Brother for the Last Time smiling as he joined the Dead to defend Vulkan to Escape...

"Be safe Vulkan..." was the words uttered by the Ghost as he along with several others charged at the unending horde of Demons....

Eldrad Conjured a portal and led Vulkan to arrive at the Gates of the Imperial palace...

Rogal Dorn was the First to Meet his Supposedly dead brother...

And before he could explain himself, The Custodian Order Vulkan to Accompanied him to the Golden throne...

There He found his Father Getting Ready the Golden Throne....

"Father, I have returned..."

He turned around and he was spent as if he witness the end of time... all the hopes and dreams of humanity dashed by Horus have made the Emperor Aged....

"Vulkan... I am Here to Delegate a Task to you... Install the Talisman of Seven Hammers into the Golden Throne... "

Vulkan installed the Artifact into the Golden throne Willingly...not knowing what its purpose until once it was done... the Emperor spoke out the True Purpose of the Artifact he has made...

"It's a Deadman Switch... it will engulf Terra into Nothingness if Horus Have won... And it is only meant for you to activate it as you are well aware of the consequences..."

"Why... Couldn't it be another way to bring Horus Back?"

"I wished I could Son... But Our Options are limited...Given the Circumstances..."

"I placed the trigger on your hands... I wished there was a better way to save him..." The Emperor Continued...

A Custodian Approached the two with news...

"The Vengeance Spirit Shields are down...What are your orders?"

"Take a 100 of the Custodians and we teleport to the Ship, Bring Sanguinius and Rogal Dorn along with his remaining Imperial Fist..."

"What About the High Lord of the League?"

"Inform him of the Incursion.. time to end this..."

"What about me Father?"

"Stay here and Protect our home..."

While the Emperor Ascended to the Vengence Spirit, he Tended to Macaldor that sat on the Golden Throne as the Sigilite now preventing the forces of Chaos Engulfing Terra...

"Tell me Macaldor... Was My Father Truly thought best for his sons?"

"Perhaps... At the Start... he did think that you were tools for him... after meeting the High Lord and Spending time with all of you... you were like a family that he never had..."

"Thank you for your Honest Opinion..."

"Well, Hard to Lie when I know my life is spent... "

"And I thought you were always the most scheming type."

"Is that what you think of me Vulkan? I am sad...but nevertheless...I did think of you like my Nieces..."

"I know that look when you are planning something..."

"Is that how I look like to you? I guess you got me..."

Both of them Laughed just a Little...

Vulkan Realized Macaldor was slowly turning into dust as Soon as the Injured Emperor Held by Dorn entered the Throne room...

The Emperor and Macaldor Looked at each other silently until the Emperor Proclaimed Macaldor as Macaldor the Sigilite no longer but the Macaldor the Hero...

Forever the Emperor Enthroned in the Golden Throne....

After Such Events Vulkan took the Mantle as Eternity gate Guardian for Several Years until the Imperium Ready their defenses.... 

But He often spent time with his Adopted Eldar Daughter as much as he can...

He was the First to Make Guilliman to Step back on his Codex astartes as his Legion was crippled in Istvaan and he needed time to replenish his forces... Guilliman proposed of Using the Raptor Project that Corvus left behind as a Compromise... 

In Nocturn....

"Dad Are you sure that you are leaving?" The Eldar looked worried as she heard Vulkan told the Salamanders that he would leaving to reflect on himself and only returning when the Imperium needed his aid once more...

He Smiled and patted her head just like he did when he first met her...

"I will be back, but I added that my sons to assist and Protect you in your endeavors... Take care my child..."

Perhaps it was the Last time she ever saw Vulkan....

The Last time she heard of Vulkan was during the War of the Beast where he heroically died against one of the Six beast in Ullanor...

She Founded a Sororitas called Dragonis Sororitas during the Age of Apostasy, A group of Sisters that Worship the Promethean Cult and the Return of Vulkan... If the Sisters of Battle were nuns with Guns, Dragonis Sororitas were Nuns with Plasma and Flamers... Boy how they Love their Combi Weapons...

Many Inquisitors attempted to execute her and one such idiot Inquisitor attempted to Exterminatus Kharaatan as they were consorting with vile Xenos...

The Salamanders have a Avid Reputation of Burning the Inquisitors unlike the Space Wolfs that would offer a Quick death to the inquisitor for attempting to Attack their homes.

The Salamander prefer to burn the Inquisition alive and made the Ecclesiarchy realized that the First Founding Legions was not to be Trifled with... And This Time Under Strict orders from Macaldor before his passing, ordered the Grey Knights to Leave Nocturn and the Salamander Chapter alone and they have the legalities to kill the Inquisitors if they were ordered to attack her. Which prevented Most Inquisition to Strongarm the People of Nocturn of Hand her over to be Burn to the Stake...

Till the 41st Millenium she Prayed for Vulkan Return in the Chapter Monastery of the Salamanders... Hoping to see her Foster Father smile once more... many Chapter Master come and go and saw her as a Sister they protected... Waiting for the Day Vulkan graced them with his Presence...

________________________________________

A/N: Now that the Primarchs Arch are over Back to Alexander Prime...

Well It is long and grueling... Thinking what the Primarch think is mind boggling... Is what i struggle with...

I read a Comment that I have more emotional Background for the traitors...

Simply because they are Imperfect that I kind of Seeing them as Myself...

The Loyalist is Hard nut to crack... As the Lore Make them More like a Superhero Comic character than a Person that i could relate to... BUt Vulkan is Kind of Different as No man could Ever Hate Vulkan...

Well Eldar Child Burning is not possible as the Konrad is Still Loyalist and kept his Legion pure from the Corruption from Nostromo except that one Outlier... Vulkan Only burn it to hide his shame as one of the Night lords Killed His Favorite Remembrancer... Would be Funny if Vulkan adopted one instead...