Khaine, Helena's Coliseum
Even as things seemed to be going well, once again everything changed. A force swept through the dungeon, much like the force that had started this entire mess. Khaine's surroundings twisted and changed, as suddenly he found himself standing in the middle of a crumbling coliseum. For a moment he tried to focus his mind, but it soon became clear that this was not one of the dungeon's illusions. Like a human reaching down and picking up an ant, he had been transported to a new location. One at the very core of the Dungeon. And there upon the tribune sat the creature responsible for this chain of events, holding within it's claws the Wanderer's Stone. So that was what it had used to open those massive portals. And, most likely, to summon everyone here.
While the mastermind declared their intentions, Khaine tried to size them up. In some ways, they exuded an aura similar to that of the beast, and yet also extremely different. The Beast had been a force of nature, a raging typhoon of energy and rage. While this being's aura was most certainly terrifyingly strong it was also... subtler. Colder. Crueller. Where the Beast had been a sledgehammer this creature was a dagger, laced with vile poison. This creature was utterly in control of it's aura. And that showed it was the kind of being that liked to be utterly in control of everything. Although it was impossible for Khaine to truly judge her strength before she truly unleashed it, it was clear this was no pushover. Perhaps she was even as strong as the Beast had been. And her intelligence made her all the more dangerous. The only reason Khaine had been able to defeat the Beast was it's singlemindedness, and of course the fact that it was relatively slow. He would have no such advantage here.
Of course, that was not to say this new opponent was without weakness. Her flowery words vanished the moment they were challenged, to be replaced with verbal barbs and threats. It seemed this was to be a fight. But the vampire revealed her weakness in handing over the stone to Khaine, declaring that she no longer needed it. Overconfidence. The enemy's arrogance would be the key to this battle. Because no matter how powerful it was, to hand the enemy a weapon was simply foolish.
As Khaine reached down to pick up the stone he had already made up his mind. This being's offer was no revolution, it was a coup. A fragile attempt to gather an army for her own purposes. No justice could be found in actions so self-serving. But on the other hand the robot girl, the Machina, spoke sense. When last he had fought in the Nexus he had found no such sentiment among the warriors. Had so much changed since he had been locked away in here? Had even the warriors of this endless war grown weary of battle?
To his amazement, the gathered warriors spoke up one by one. And each pledged their allegiance to this Endian, who claimed to fight just to end the fighting. A goal that Khaine had pursued ever since his epiphany. It seemed that where Helena had sought to gather allies, this Endian had instead found a willing army. An army that sought to change the Nexus itself. To cease the senseless violence that consumed this war-torn realm. To finally end the War of the Three.
Silently, Khaine turned to Endian, and dropped to one knee. It was a gesture of fealty. Of trust. He did not speak, because words were the tools of tricksters. But soundlessly he had offered his allegiance to this mechanical warrior. As long as they did not betray the ideals they claimed to follow, he would become their sword, as he had once been the sword of Hell. And although the significance of this silent gesture might be lost on most of those present, he would soon demonstrate his loyalty with his actions.
While certainly a frightening opponent, Khaine had never been intended to be the greatest single combatant. His prowess in single combat made him a threat, but his true abilities shone only in a situation such as this. He was a general, one who was intended to lead entire armies into battle. And as such he was most capable in the support role. Reaching out he called upon every last shred of his power as he was reunited with his main mode of transportation.
Chains shot across the ceiling of the coliseum. Blades erupted from the ground, hilt up, ready to be taken to war. A flash of energy moved across the battlefield, providing armour, weaponry, or ammo to those in need of it. Advanced scientific medkits appeared in the hands of those who required medical attention. The pillar beneath Helena's feet cracked as a dozen lances pierced the bottom. Staring down the vampire Khaine began to observe her in minute detail, to catch her every move. He would assist from afar, blocking her attacks with his powers and attacking her from unknown angles whenever she let down her guard. And he would improve the abilities of his allies, granting them whatever assistance they required in order to win this fight. And, if one of those who had not offered their blade to Endian sought to interfere, he would crush them in the blink of an eye.
This was the true power of the Lord of War, a power that could dictate the course of mass battles where individual power was meaningless. And it was a power that Khaine would turn against the gods of this world.
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