The Colossus' Shorts

Araphel stood. His hands were covered in the insectoid blood of the alien queen. It’s death meant this surgical strike have been a complete victory. There was a satisfaction to find in that. Yet, it distanced itself from Araphel.

His tension shifted to one of the wall of the queen's mound. Pierced against it, was Alexandros. One of the queen's scythe-like forearms punctured through his chest. The queen had been a gargantuan beast. With sheer bulk, it had pierced adamantium. Alexandros hung there, half a meter off of the ground. Both hands gripped the alien forearm. He held himself just a little high to keep the talon from cutting deeper into his chest.

His eyes were distant. They did not flash to Araphel as he approached.

He also was not dead. It would take far more trauma to slay one of the Emperor's sons. Araphel suspected that his brother was using his gifts to lead his sons elsewhere. Alexandros had described his unusual ability during their private meeting before the campaign had begun. He possessed the ability to send pieces of his consciousness to other locations to guide and to lead.

“Alexandros?“

Alexandros blinked. He coughed, some blood spilling out of his mouth. He glanced at the dead queen and grinned. “Excellent, you prevailed. You have earned quite the victory for yourself.“

Araphel studied him; his expression unreadable. "You stepped in front of me.“

“I did,“ Alexandros agreed. “If you feel denied the experience of impalement, I do apologize. It’s is not a pleasant sensation though. So, I hope you do not mind.“

There was a lengthy pause. “Why? “

This response amused Alexandros. “Does a brother need a reason to defend his brother?“

Another pause. “No, I suppose he does not.“

“I am so glad you agree. Now, would you mind helping me? It is painful to be like this.“

With a superhuman pull, Araphel freed his brother. From there, events preceded rapidly. The queen's hive was defended by a horde several million strong. The strikeforce had been but a few thousand. Transports rapidly descended in the terrain just outside the mound. The two Primarchs charged together leading their surviving sons to retreat. For all of their gifts of war, no hope would lie in defending this ground. Not when orbital bombardments were an option.

The contested withdrawal had been furious. The Imperials prevailed again. As the craft took to the stars, Araphel activated a private fox link to Alexandros. “You are better than I.“

“Oh, I would not say that.“

Rafael cut off the argument. “No, you are better. You are a better commander. You are a better father. And you are a better brother. You are willing to sacrifice more for the sake of others. My commands are obeyed without question. But it is out of a sense of duty and obligation. Your sons, the men under your command, they obey you out of inspiration. They know, truly know, that you would sacrifice yourself for their sake. I have heard of such magnanimous leadership. I once thought it a myth. You have proven me wrong.“

“This is not beyond you,“ Alexandros offered.

Araphel thoughts back to the ravens. Back to the pain. Back to the betrayal. “No, I do not think I am capable. I appreciate your optimism. But I am broken in a way that you do not understand.“

For once, Alexandros held his tongue. Then, he quietly said, “The ravens?“

Araphel froze. “How?“ he breathed.

“I see much more than the future. I apologize for the intrusion. It had been unintentional. Let us just say that I am not as much of a stranger of mental hardship as I would prefer.“

“You never said anything.“

“Again, I had not intended to pry. You have your secrets, and I have mine. I always have a ready ear, but I did not want to force you.“ Another pause. “Do you wish to speak of it?“

Araphel hesitated before answering, “No, not this day. We have a war to win. Perhaps another time.“ He then added, “Thank you for your discretion.“

“I live to serve.“