As the Gloriana-class Battleship Unbending Truth trembled under the Primarch's wrath, another Gloriana-class Battleship, the Vengeful Spirit, had already set sail with Paris and Helen from the Sea of Stars, once again entering the Tacus System.
To call this place a "star system" was truly an overstatement. After all, the entity named Tacus had long since died, completely devoured by the surging torrents of the Immaterium. Neither stars nor worlds, nor any trace of that most brutal war, were anything but the most fragile existence before the Empyrean, which could erase any time and space.
When the Shadow Moon Wolves fleet passed through this star system, which had been an endless purgatory just a few days prior, all that appeared before them were chaotic Immaterium vortices and a few scattered world-fragments. These were the last remnants left behind after a gluttonous feast of the Immaterium, shrouded in the deepest darkness untouched by starlight.
Had each of them not personally decapitated a Randan Warrior just now, not a single Son of Horus would have believed that a war, and the most brutal war in the entire galaxy, had erupted here: one that could kill tens of thousands of Astartes and continue to kill a large number of Imperial elites, including a thousand Custodian Guard, in its aftermath.
Tens of thousands of Astartes, hundreds of warships, hundreds of millions of mortal auxiliary troops, and several times that number of Xenos armies and fleets perished in successive extermination operations. Their bodies and blood were now completely swallowed by the Immaterium's tides: save for the memories in the minds of the living, no trace remained to prove their existence and battles.
Humanity had conquered its homeworld, and then conquered the stars and the galaxy: a conquest once again. But before the might of the Immaterium, humanity seemed to have returned to that ancient era tens of thousands of years ago, powerless against various irresistible natural disasters, with fear and nightmares rising from their bloodline.
Thinking thus, the power within the Immaterium was indeed more terrifying than most things in the real universe. But fortunately, they were merely a group of existences akin to natural disasters, without self-awareness, and could be entirely avoided and rationally utilized.
Horus thought this as his gaze swept across the void where the Tacus star once was.
The Warmaster Horus had no further interest or knowledge regarding the Immaterium. Most of his understanding of those capricious spaces came from his brother, Magnus. The Emperor never liked to mention those strange places to his sons, just as he disliked fervent faiths taking root in his dominion.
And in Magnus's words, the Immaterium was never overly dangerous or a place requiring extra precautions. Horus believed in his brother's wisdom; the King of Prospero was, after all, an expert in this field, and his judgment was more authoritative than any book, ruin, or treatise.
Furthermore, neither Horus nor the Shadow Moon Wolves had ever displayed their talents in psychic abilities. Therefore, Horus adopted Magnus's attitude and knowledge as his own understanding and strength in psychic matters: this was what the Warmaster Horus excelled at.
Horus might not have been the best in many aspects, but he possessed the ability and charisma to make his most outstanding brothers his companions, his strength.
Thus, the Warmaster Horus was flawless, without any fatal flaws; the Warmaster Horus was the most excellent, with no possibility of disappointing his genetic father; the Warmaster Horus was the focus of all, with no brother able to challenge his position in the Emperor's and everyone's hearts.
Horus achieved it; he successfully achieved all of this, and calmly enjoyed the affection as the Emperor's favorite son, and the glory and status as the Primarch of Primarchs. The former, especially, he cherished as a treasure, and maintaining this special status that satisfied him was what Horus intended to do, now and in the future.
This was not easy.
He could not relax, could not be complacent because of his achievements, nor could he ignore any of his brothers. Horus did not allow himself to do so; he forced himself to work harder to maintain this dream-like blissful time:
The Emperor's favor.
Brotherly affection.
Admiration of all.
The nobility of the Legion.
He did not want to lose any of these.
So, he had to keep trying.
Starting from... what was before him.
The Warmaster Horus's eyes shifted, looking to the side: his somewhat short sister stood there, gazing at the utterly dead Tacus System.
He smiled.
"What are you thinking, Morgana?"
------
[War, and sacrifice.]
Morgana's clear, cold words echoed in Horus's ears. The Warmaster Horus listened intently, observing his blood kin.
When dealing with new acquaintances, the Warmaster Horus always trusted his first impression; he prided himself on this.
Just like when he first met Sanguinius, he knew that brother from Baal would be his best friend.
Their friendship would last until the end of time, or the end of one of their lives.
Beyond that, Horus had also interacted with some strange brothers, but he maintained a valuable friendship with most of them: at the very least, not hostility.
Even Lion El'Jonson: Horus knew that the Lion of Caliban wasn't particularly convinced by him, but he was also sure that Lion El'Jonson didn't dislike him; they were merely somewhat distant from each other.
No one disliked Horus: this was the one thing Horus was most proud of.
Morgana, too, would be the same.
As Horus followed Morgana's gaze to the remaining wreckage, he reached out and patted his blood sister's shoulder.
"Don't worry, Morgana, no one will forget all of this. Your efforts, and the efforts and sacrifices of every participant, will be etched on every column of honor."
[Including the Vengeful Spirit?]
"Of course."
Horus responded without the slightest hesitation or doubt.
"Although the achievements of the Randan War belong to you and Lion El'Jonson, to the First Legion, to Leman Russ, Vulkan, and their progeny, I too will remember them. Every sacrifice should be remembered. The blood of the loyal should never be shed in vain."
As the Warmaster Horus uttered these resonant words, his heart and will were fervent. Morgana could feel that Horus had no ulterior motives at this moment; he was truly moved by everything before him, and he spoke his promise from the bottom of his heart.
As his gaze traversed the remaining wreckage, Morgana could even see a glimmer of regret: the regret of missing a great war.
"I fought by the Emperor's side for thirty full years, and I led my Legion against various powerful foes, but I have never achieved such legendary feats, nor have I ever witnessed so much blood spilled."
"In a sense, I even envy Lion El'Jonson; he was fortunate."
Horus spoke these words, and it was at this moment that the Shadow Moon Wolves fleet initiated another warp jump, moving away from this star system where danger could appear at any time.
As everything in the Tacus System was left behind, the Warmaster Horus and his blood kin continued their previous activities. They casually strolled through the corridors of the Vengeful Spirit, admiring the countless achievements inscribed in paintings and statues. Using these past victories and records as an opportunity, Horus eloquently recounted everything about the Imperium to his blood kin.
Horus's steps were slightly ahead, his direction determining the path the two Primarchs took.
He introduced his Legion, his Shadow Moon Wolves, his greatest pride. He spoke of their great achievements one by one, in the manner of a father and a general. Accompanied by his words and steps, the two Primarchs walked through the most glorious corridors, flanked by records of the Shadow Moon Wolves Legion's great victories fighting alongside various allied forces.
------
Only two Legion attendants followed them: Abaddon and Hektor, standing side by side in a suitable position as their respective Primarchs' guards and retainers.
From the moment these two Astartes met, Abaddon's gaze constantly swept over Hektor.
Look at that height, and those powerful arms. Why had he never seen such a figure in the Second Legion before? He could even imagine the strength such a physique and talent would contain... Oh my...
Let him think, where was the nearest arena... No... No no no... Abaddon, you're on a mission!
Be serious! You must be serious!
Stop thinking about it... Hmm... He remembered turning left at the next fork would lead to an arena...
...Stop thinking about it!
------
[Did you and Abaddon achieve this victory together?]
"Ah, and Togadon, but he wasn't in the picture then."
"Of course, this victory also owes credit to your warriors. Do you see those warriors in silver armor? They are the assault echelons from the Second Legion. The strength and speed of these Terra Veterans are impressive."
Before his blood kin, Horus smiled as he explained these victories. They passed many paintings and photographs, all depicting the most exaggerated triumphs: Horus and his Legion standing atop mountains of unimaginable enemy corpses, laughing heartily, with silver-clad figures always by their side.
As they rounded a corridor corner, the records of these silver warriors fighting alongside the Shadow Moon Wolves suddenly increased. Horus enthusiastically recounted these joint victories as if they were household treasures.
"This was the Ottava Campaign, where one of my Great Companies and one of yours destroyed an entire Ork Empire in three days."
"This was the Great Purge in the Fukhris System. Among your progeny, a warrior named Di Lumudo distinguished himself. He alone breached an insurgent fortress, and I personally awarded him a medal."
"This was the siege in the Tinako Maelstrom Zone, where your Legion and mine, along with reinforcements from the Seventh Legion, fought side by side for over ten months to eliminate all the Xenos strongholds. Remember that warrior Di Lumudo? He became a Company Captain after that campaign."
"And this one, is..."
Dozens of large and small victories, sieges, and exterminations were eloquently recounted by Horus. The bonds and friendship between the two Legions transformed into a long poem in the Warmaster Horus's words, as if everything had happened yesterday. Horus recited these stories with emotion, even becoming immersed in these glorious memories himself.
Until he heard a soft laugh from Morgana.
[Your warriors seem to enjoy fighting alongside my progeny, Horus. Is that because you once commanded them?]
"I have commanded many Legions, my sister. Father entrusted me with this confidence and heavy responsibility, allowing me to temporarily oversee everything before your return."
[But you seem to particularly enjoy fighting with my Legion. In most of the records here, I see you and my Legion achieving victories together.]
Horus smiled.
"Who wouldn't like powerful warriors?"
[Are you speaking of my progeny?]
"My Shadow Moon Wolves are also powerful, my dear Morgana, but I will not deny the ironclad fact that your Legion possesses the best warriors. Countless Terra Veterans are gathered there, and only the Dark Angels can compare in this regard."
"Many times, they had already secured victory before the battle even began. Fighting alongside your progeny is a pleasure; their blades are swift and deadly, capable of turning enemy formations into corpses in an instant. Before the main force even officially landed, the truly important battles were already over."
Morgana smiled, the first time she smiled so openly, with an uncontrollable joy that comes from having one's children praised.
Horus saw all of this, and it was, of course, within his expectations. The Warmaster Horus's footsteps guided the atmosphere of this conversation. He would naturally lead his sister through these corridors filled with records of the Sixteenth Legion and the Second Legion's fond memories, using countless recorded victories and smiles to illustrate the long-standing friendship between the two Legions.
[Friendship.]
Morgana softly uttered this brief word, her tone very careful, as if speaking of something novel.
"Of course, friendship, my sister."
"Just like you and I. Now, you and I have a friendship."
"We are friends, aren't we? Just like your progeny and mine."
Watching his blood kin slowly shed the cold guard and caution from her face was a signal that brought the Warmaster Horus joy and a sense of accomplishment.
Horus and Morgana walked side by side, he always a half-step ahead, letting his pace lead their conversation and stroll.
He continued forward, discussing the various affections between the two Legions: their shared honor and disgrace in battle, their trust and reliance in moments of life and death, and their deep memories of jointly enjoying victory and glory.
Friendship.
He always brought up this word, though not intentionally emphasizing it, it always appeared in his speech.
He chipped away at the not-so-thick ice layer in Morgana's heart, until they had finished viewing another record of victory, until Morgana spoke up actively for the first time.
[I also have my own friendships, Horus.]
The Warmaster Horus bent down slightly, with a respectful posture, waiting for his blood kin's first topic.
"With my Sejanus? He is a good boy; I am proud of him."
[Him, and Ahriman, you know, Magnus's progeny, and a female named Kallianne, whom I met among mortals.]
"Ah, Ahriman, I do have some impression of him. He is suitable to be a friend."
Horus tried to recall the warrior from the Thousand Sons Legion, his gaze never leaving Morgana's face.
His wolf-like gaze successfully caught the troubled expression on Morgana's face. She seemed to be pondering a question.
"You can ask me anything that troubles you, my sister."
"We are friends; this is not an empty declaration, but a true fact."
"You are my friend. I am happy to help you with any problem."
The Warmaster Horus was pleased to see his blood kin's expression soften a little.
[I also want to be friends with... my progeny, Horus.]
Morgana glanced at Hektor and Abaddon behind her, lowering her voice.
[Just like I saw with you and your progeny, you embraced each other in those victory records, like true friends.]
Horus smiled.
"Of course, Morgana, don't worry about that. The friendship between Primarchs and Astartes is strong, stable, and very possible. Many of my progeny and I are friends; they give me many good suggestions, not flattery."
Horus boasted about his progeny with an innate pride, pure and unadulterated.
Morgana's words continued. She cocked her ears, listening to the cheers and sounds of battle from the arena at the end of the corridor.
[In the Thousand Sons Legion, I witnessed Magnus's interaction with his warriors. They surrounded him with adoration, treating him as an endless source of wisdom, always showing great respect and love, but I felt their relationship was a bit too... formal.]
"What about the Dark Angels?"
Horus couldn't help but ask the question that interested him.
His question made Morgana quiet for a moment. Just as Horus worried if his question was too rash and obvious, he heard Morgana's low reply.
[On the Unbending Truth, there are also many works recording victories. Lion El'Jonson and his progeny are in them, but they never... smile.]
[Not like you and your warriors, embracing and smiling.]
"Does that seem strange to you?"
[A little.]
Horus continued to smile. He resumed his pace, continuing this seemingly aimless stroll.
But as Morgana followed him closely, the Warmaster Horus's footsteps subtly changed amidst his seemingly casual words.
He naturally led Morgana into the nearest arena. There, countless Shadow Moon Wolves were sparring and competing. When they saw their genetic father, they let out a heartfelt cheer.
It was a tumultuous roar, filled with endless adoration and love.
Horus stood there. He simply raised his hand and waved gently, offering the same amicable smile and encouragement to both victors and losers, which only made the cheers grow louder and more memorable.
[How did you do it?]
He heard his blood kin's words echoing in his ear, laced with astonishment and a hint of envy.
This was exactly what Horus needed.
"Don't worry, Morgana."
He whispered to his blood kin.
"It's a simple thing. I will tell you how to do it."
"I am happy to see you and your children share the same bond, after all, you and I are friends, aren't we?"
Finally. He saw a genuine smile appear on his blood kin's face.
[Of course.]
[We are friends.]
------
The two Primarchs did not stay long in the arena; they soon left it. As Horus pondered how to continue the conversation, he noticed Morgana watching him.
The Spider Queen gently pursed her lips, seemingly hesitant. But finally, she slowly uttered a sentence.
Her voice was very low, but the Warmaster Horus heard genuine sincerity, gratitude, and earnestness in it.
[I want to say, I want to thank you for your selfless help, my brother.]
Horus smiled.
"You were much more outgoing in Drune, my sister."
[I am naturally a rather outgoing person... perhaps.]
[But more so, in Lion El'Jonson's First Legion, I had to be that resolute, even somewhat flamboyant figure.]
"And here with me?"
Horus looked at his blood kin's delicate face: it was a sensitive and thoughtful face, but it was much better than the reserved, cold, and hesitant expression he had seen upon first meeting her.
This was his masterpiece.
A masterpiece crafted with his words, his attitude, and his sincerity.
Horus was proud of it.
Then, he heard Morgana's words, accompanied by a laugh, containing a relaxed emotion born of happiness.
[On the Vengeful Spirit, I sense another... aura.]
[I think I know why so many people like you, Horus.]
[You are very much like our Father.]
------
"Our Father?"
Horus spoke with genuine surprise in his tone.
[Yes, our Father. Although I have not truly seen him, I have an impression of him in my mind.]
------
[You are very much like him, Horus.]
[You and the Emperor, are very much alike.]
------
Morgana did not truly look at Horus; she kept her head down, maintaining a seemingly reserved demeanor.
But she could feel that these words pleased the Warmaster Horus more than an entire tome of praise and accolades.
Horus gently touched his breastplate with his hand, his fingers lightly caressing the golden ring.
"Perhaps it's because I spent a long time by his side."
"Fate allowed me to be the first to meet our Father, and I spent thirty years with him, which is why I resemble him somewhat."
[No.]
He heard Morgana's soft reply, a reply that seemed to carry a magical quality, making Horus listen intently.
[Eagles can soar because they are inherently children of eagles, not because they saw the sky before ground beasts.]
[You and the Emperor are very much alike, Horus; this is an innate truth, this is destiny's arrangement.]
In the Vengeful Spirit's silent and long corridor, Morgana slowly spoke the first words that would be etched in Horus's memory.
[It is not because you were the first to meet our Father that you resemble him so closely. It is not because of mere luck, but because you are inherently special, because you are the one among us who is most like the Emperor.]
[Perhaps, when our Father created you, he poured an extraordinary amount of love and trust into you.]
------
[And precisely because of this, in that dark moment when he lost us, when he was most lonely and isolated.]
[Fate ordained that you would be the first to meet him.]
------
Morgana smiled.
She spoke these words as if stating common knowledge.
Then, she resumed her stride.
This time, she led the way.
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